Cinematic Film Composition — Roger Deakins on Blocking, Staging & Composition in Cinematography
Composition and Shot Construction
In this section, the speaker talks about the importance of composition and shot construction in filmmaking. He explains how he plays with images to create an effect within a story.
Importance of Camera Movement
- The camera movement should feel like a solid, relentless move for the characters.
- The camera should encompass everything that the audience needs to see.
- Cutting to a reaction can disrupt the flow of the scene.
Restaging Scenes
- If someone is speaking and you want to see them, you have to restage it.
- Sometimes scenes need to be restaged in a different way to get the desired effect.
Scene Design
- Simple formal scenes can be effective without complex set design.
- Choosing whether to play a scene wide or observational depends on each scene's feel.
Composition Techniques
- Choosing locations with vertical trees allows for sidetracking shots.
- Finding the right composition involves tweaking with lens choice, camera movement, and positioning.
- Lens choice defines how close or far away viewers are from subjects and affects their awareness of surroundings.
Shooting Techniques
In this section, the speakers discuss different shooting techniques and how they can be used to achieve a specific look or feel for a film.
Choosing the Right Technique
- The first decision is to determine the overall feel of the film.
- For some films, like "Jarhead," handheld cameras are used to create a more realistic look.
- Composition is also an important factor in determining the look of a film.
- For "Kundun," symmetry was used to reflect the spirituality of Buddhism.
Importance of Lighting and Camera Movement
- Still photography is often referenced when thinking about composition and content.
- Lighting and camera movement cannot be divorced from composition.
- The image in your head is more important than technique.
Considerations When Shooting
- What's the script? What's the story? What's the scene?
- What do you want the audience to feel?
Overall, choosing the right shooting technique involves considering factors such as composition, lighting, camera movement, and what you want your audience to feel.