thanks for your email for Rap point 1. You haven't given us a lot to respond to 7A, but we'll do our best.
As you write, you agree with Chifley's ideas about the effect of low camera angles, and they made some interesting observations too. Lee Burton's response to their email also has some thoughts for you. Have another read of her reply.
In addition to Lee's response, for your observations I agree that scene with Noah shows his attempt to take control of the situation, and yes, the low camera looking up at him does show him taking on some leadership qualities. But he's not that kind of guy, is he? He's not a leader. So when we see him hanging from the hook in the toilets, it's funny. And it's funny because of the contrast. He attempts to take charge, and the other boys hang him up and leave him.
Now what do you think a!
bout the
camera angle for that final shot?
It's low again.
But he's not in a position of power now, is he? In fact, it's the opposite.
This means that you can't always say that:
a low camera angle = person in a position of power
or
a high camera angle = a person in a position of weakness.
What we can say is this:
when you judge the meaning and effectiveness of a shot, it depends on WHAT IS HAPPENING. The meaning is not simply made by a camera angle or a soft focus or a technique.
Meaning = everything you see.
So, all camera angles and shots and devices and techniques and elements - yes, the whole lot - have to be looked at with WHAT IS HAPPENING in the film.
This is a tricky thing to think about and come to terms with and write about. I know because I've taught HSC students who don't get it.
A
particular shot does not always have the same meaning. And, by the way, if you come to grips with that idea, your film analysis work is going to read really well. You'll sound like you have though about the film and that you know what you're talking about = marks!
If you have another look at the worksheets for Rap point 1, you'll see I've given you more information about meanings and camera angles.
Back to Noah hanging on the hook......I really like that scene because it shows Noah's humanity. It's a contrast to his attempt at leadership. He's a likeable character, and perhaps we always feel some empathy for someone left in a situation like that, and taking it so calmly! What do you think?
