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Watching a boring movie can be so annoying and even exhausting. Boring movies get me so worked up and sometimes spoil my entire day, however this changed after a seminar I attended while in school.

The seminar changed my perception about movies. After the seminar, I became very inquisitive about film techniques and so I attended some film classes.

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This gives me the opportunity to enjoy movies across whatever genre.

So rather than pay attention to the funny sounds from animations, or get angry about how an actor is not getting into character, I just play the critique.

A good way to enjoy movies is to check how much how creativity is put into the movies and the varying techniques used.

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NOTE: I do not take full credit for this work alone, as it was a joint effort between myself and @mimy. Thank you

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Let us analyze!

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In analyzing a movie, conversation is almost useless but rather the visual elements go a long way in analyzing a movie.

In movies just everything counts, colours, space, shots, lightening, frames, composition.

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Few techniques to help you enjoy your movie.

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Loose framing and tight framing

In loose framing, there is enough space around the main subject. There is enough space for movement. Enough space in the background and the edges of the frame.

So next time, while paying attention to the long beards of a rich man, his shining bald head, his sparkling Italian shoes, you can look at other means in which his affluence is expressed.

For example, you could observe the amount of space he has in his room and even the amount of space he has in his car.

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In tight framing, there is little visible space around the main subject.

This shot is used to express pain, oppression, slavery or discomfort.

So next time, you could critique just how much effort a director of a movie used in depicting pain or suffering.

Rather than concentrate on the tears of the female character or her screams, you could check the use of frame.

Does she appear to be hemmed in the edges of the frame?

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Symmetrical and asymmetrical composition.

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Symmetrical composition shows the main character or many character in the approximate center of the frame.

This shot is used to depict harmony.

This shot is used in family and business settings. You may just want to observe that next time.

In the screenshot above, Jack and Rose appear on equal sides of the frame.

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In asymmetrical compositions, the major character. The character appears in one side of the frame. The character appears imbalanced

This shot is used to depict themes like loss of self-identity, self conflict, inner conflict or discomfort.

This scene was used in Agnes Verdes' "Cleo from 5-7" The movie follows the life of a female singer from the point where she was diagnosed with a disease by a card woman and how that induces great fear into her.

At a point in the movie, Cleo sings about loss and depression. Although her face is gravely, she doesn't appear in the center of the frame but rather the far end.

Such a beautiful way to express uncertainty and loss!

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Use of shots.

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Shots include establishing shot, medium shot, medium close-up, extreme long shot, long shot, close up, extreme close-up.

This shots are ways in which directors pass across messages.

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Extreme long shot

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The entire subject is very visible but appear very small. This camera distance is used to show the expanse of a setting.

Here is a use of extreme long shot in Titanic video.

Here the use of extreme long shot buttresses the beauty of the love between Jack and Rose kissing. There is a lot to admire in the picture/scene. Not just two lovers kissing but the ship and the beautiful scene. Also the ray of the sun on the ship.

Extreme long shots are also used to show emphasize danger.

This shot is also used in war and horror movies.

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Medium shot

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This camera distance shows the body of the character from the knee upwards.

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Medium close up

Medium close up reveals the character from the shoulder upwards.

This Camera distance is used to bring a character closer to the viewer.

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Close-up

This shot when used reveals all or nearly all of the character's head. The shot reveals little or nothing of the surrounding.

This shot is used to show the imperfections or the magnificent beauty of a character.

It is used when a character is experiencing extreme emotions like anger, fear, loss, love, pain etc.

In the image above, the shot is used to portray the effect of old age on Rose which contrasts with her once spotless skin.

Also, this shot is used in horror movies to enhance fear, also with the aid of lighting.

For example Bottom lighting could be used. In bottom lighting, the character is illuminated by a single light from below.

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Extreme close-up

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None of the background is visible when extreme close-up is used. The subject or character completely feels up the frame.

This shot is used for emphasis.

It is also used during extreme emotions like pain or fear.

The screenshot above shows Jack while he was drawing Rose. Emphasis is placed on his face to show focus.

So, rather than just Jack's words. The director makes use of an extreme close-up to portray Jack's focus.

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Analyzing a movie is beautiful when you know some techniques. Next time you can check out just how many shots a director has put into their movies.

How well do the shot relates to the image.

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Additional clarification was done from research materials from here

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You can follow me on twitter by clicking the icon

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Thanks to @camzy/ @samstickkz and @elyaque for the animated art and badge

Support @curie, @ausbitbank, @teamsteem, @xeldal, @steemgigs for witness

First image from pixabay

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