Research - Test Shots #11

Introduction

Hello, today I’m going to be exploring how camera shots and setups to best establish the tone of my film. I’ll also be researching how the different settings, framing, and movement techniques help tell the story and its impact by testing it out myself.

Close-Up Shots:

To my knowledge, close-ups are often used to build suspense as they closely show the character’s emotion while not being able to see what else is going on, having the audience on edge about what is to come next. 

According to research, a great technique to draw attention to the smallest and most important features in a film is to use an extreme close-up. You can convey layers of emotion that a wider shot would overlook by concentrating closely on details like trembling lips or a drop of sweat. Because these details establish a connection to a character's inner world and psychological state, viewers are drawn into their emotions. (Nicole, 2025)

The Shining's close-up of Jack peeking through the broken door makes the audience feel more frightened by forcing them to experience his insanity in an uncomfortable and personal way. The broken doorframe acts as a deformed frame, visually trapping Jack and the viewer in a traumatic moment. These elements combined turn the scene into a well known illustration of psychological terror and total uncertainty.

Furthermore, you can highlight symbolic elements like a ticking clock or a match flick by using extreme close-ups. These visually engaging moments help make the scene memorable by indicating significance, increasing suspense, or foreshadowing future events. (Nicole, 2025)

When an anonymous letter is slipped into a pocket, for example, directors use this approach to direct the audience's attention to the most important site. You can create tension or convey proximity by emphasizing these narrative and emotional aspects, which would be lost in a medium or wide view. (San Filippo, 2024)

These shots help you set the precise tone for a crucial moment in while adding drama. By carefully selecting which scenes are given such in-depth attention, you may increase the intensity and clarity of your narrative and encourage viewers to empathize with the drama as it unfolds. (San Filippo, 2024)

Application:

These are examples of me applying what I’ve learned in-depth about close-up shots to know how to apply it when I start producing my film. I focused on any detail that shouldn’t be missed and how the deep focus on the character’s expression impacts the tone and scene.

The emphasis on her grabbing the weapon

The distraught due to the action

Reflection:

While learning about close-up shots, one challenge I faced was figuring out how close the camera should be without making the shot confusing or awkward. Practicing with the camera helped me understand how framing small details, like facial expressions or an object, can change the tone of a scene. By testing these shots myself, I learned how close-ups can build suspense and show emotion without needing a lot of dialogue. This practice helped me feel more prepared for the production phase because I now know how to use close-ups intentionally to create tension and highlight important moments.

References

            Nicole. (2025, August 13). What is Extreme Close-Up Shot in Film? BeverlyBoy Productions. https://beverlyboy.com/filmmaking/what-is-extreme-close-up-shot-in-film/

                        San Filippo, C. (2024). Filming 101: Types of Camera Shots and Angles. Www.polarpro.com. https://www.polarpro.com/blogs/polarpro/filmmaking-101-types-of-camera-shots-and-angles