Directors use all sorts of techniques to create compelling shots that help to advance the storyline or capture the viewer's attention and imagination. This great video takes a look at four shots in which a lens made all the difference.
Coming to you from CineFix, this fun video examines four iconic movie shots and how they were achieved thanks to either extreme or clever usage of lenses. There are numerous ways a film can draw the viewer's attention in a certain direction or create tension, and the choice of lens (and its usage) is one of the most fundamental and powerful. One of my personal favorites is this scene from "Koyaanisqatsi." The entire film is an amazing, wordless essay on modern society's increasing distance from the natural world. Notice particularly at 1:11 and 3:30 how the use of a telephoto lens brings the planes and cars closer together, underscoring the sheer physical density of urban life. You might also notice that the opening shot of the 747 in the heat wave distortion is very similar to that from "Lawrence of Arabia," as shown in the above video.
Do you have any favorite scenes that showcase how lenses can be used to tell a story? Share them in the comments!
Could watch these ALL DAY LONG. Thanks for bringing this one to our attention!