Cinematography in The Cabin In The Woods

The first shot shows a poster with the writing positioned towards the top-left corner. Because of this, the audience will have more chance to read the writing on the poster as it is natural for humans to read from top-left to

bottom-right. This means the audience will be engaged with the film right from the beginning because they are able to engage with the poster. It also

implies the start off the film is relatively light-hearted.

As the two characters are being introduced, a long shot is used so that the audience are able to analyse their relationship and take in their immediate

surroundings.

Multiple over-the-shoulder shots are used to allow the audience to see the two characters’ reactions as they talk to one another, so the audience are able to assess

the characters and form their own opinions about them.

As the characters are about to change scene, a long shot is used to introduce the area. This allows the audience to take in the new setting first and understand what is

happening in relation to character movement.

As the characters are walking, a medium tracking shot is used to keep up with them. Standard focus is also used. This means the audience are able to keep up with what the characters are

doing as if it is taking place is real-time. This makes the film overall more realistic. They are also close enough to see their expressions as the characters are talking, so audience members can

start to form a bond with them. The standard focus allows the audience to watch the characters and see some of the setting without getting too distracted by things happening in the

background.

Another long shot is used to introduce a change in location, so the audience are able to keep up with the characters’ movements. The depth of field appears to be deep focus, to ensure the

audience can still see the characters, even though they are far away from the camera.

Panning takes place to follow the characters. Keeping up with the characters is vital if you want the audience to remain engaged with the film. They need visual accompaniment with the speech

so they are able to comprehend the context in which things are said.

Tracking occurs again, in order for the audience to be able to keep up with the conversation the two characters are having as they drive, keeping the audience engaged with what the characters have to say. As they set off on their journey, the two characters appear to be positioned slightly to the left, which allows the audience to focus on them as it is natural for the eyes to look from left to right. Their eye level is also at the most comfortable level- between the upper third and

the centre third, allowing the audience to connect with them much easier.

As a major location change occurs, the camera pans, following an extra on a skateboard, to introduce the new location. This gives the audience a chance to take in the new surroundings and understand its likely new characters are about to be introduced. The camera is panning from left

to right, just like our eyes naturally read from left to right. This makes it much easier for the audience to follow and remain engaged.

The camera pans upwards through natural closed framing cause by the trees on either side. This creates the impression that the camera shouldn’t really be there, it is spying, causing a general feeling of unease about the situation, fitting in with the horror theme. The camera continues to

pan to reveal the latest character, who is positioned to the left of the shot. Clearly she must be an important character, as she has intentionally been placed where the audience will immediately

see her, due to the natural way eyes read.

An over-the-shoulder, shallow field, close-up is used to draw the audience’s attention to something significant in the film. They will therefore register this detail in their minds for future reference, so when the time comes, they will be able to recall it.

A close-up two shot reveal both of the new characters’ reactions to the significant object and their emotions. By being given the chance to study the emotions of the characters, the audience are able to form an emotional bond with them, enhancing their cinematic viewing experience. The fact that their eye level is a comfortable height for the audience serves to make forming a

bond with the characters a lot easier, they appear more emotionally approachable.

A series of over-the-shoulder shots take place to show the audience how the characters interact with one another, helping them to understand the characters’

relationship and understand each character’s personality.

A medium shot is used so that the audience are able to analyse the body language as the two characters communicate, which helps them gain a better understanding of

their relationship, as well as their individual personalities.

Numerous high and low angle shots are used as another character is introduced. They allow the audience to get a sense of their personality and the reactions of them and others near them. However, as the majority of shots for this particular character are from a high angle it makes

them appear smaller and less significant, possibly implying there are not a major character in the film.

I feel there have been a range of techniques used but some appear to be favoured more than others. For example, there a several circumstances where a series of over-the-shoulder shots occur, all of which help the audience to grasp the relationships at

play, yet they do feel perhaps a little overused. I feel the most effectively used technique is the over-the-shoulder, shallow field, close-up. This is because it clearly

highlights something of great significance, which people will be able to recall later in the film thanks to the focus that has been put on it in this shot. It adds intrigue and

mystery - people are keen to learn what it represents - hooking them for the duration of the film.

Due to the fact that I have found this shot so successful, I will definitely aim to include a close-up shot featuring a significant object in my film opening. I also feel that using a long shot or panning to introduce a location is very effective, however including this in

my film opening will depend on the circumstances under which we film.