Have you ever noticed how often the camera seems to be peering up at characters in movies? Low-angle shots are quite common in cinematography, and no, it’s not only to convey power. Sareesh Sudhakaran of wolfcrow dives into science and a little bit of history behind this choice. While high-angle shots do exist, low-angle shots are the clear favorite of filmmakers, and for good reason.
Low angles have a long history in cinema. Pioneering directors like Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock established the power of this technique, influencing generations of filmmakers who continue to use it today. So, what are the reasons behind this angle choice?
Seeing eye to eye (almost)
Our daily lives offer a clue to why filmmakers use low-angle shots so commonly. As Sareesh points out, we spend most of our time looking down – at our phones, the sidewalk, or that coffee stain on the rug we desperately hope no one notices. This means our brains are wired to process information from this perspective.
But there’s a practical reason too: low angles keep the actors’ eyes visible. When filmed from above, eyebrows and eyelids can cast shadows. This obscures the emotions they’re trying to convey, and we all know that eyes are the windows to the soul.
The power of perception
Low angles aren’t just about what we see, but how we perceive it. Studies suggest viewers find characters filmed from below to be more powerful and attractive. This “larger than life” effect is achieved by elongating the body and keeping the face slightly out of reach. High angles, on the other hand, can make characters seem small and even untrustworthy.
Genre matters
The film’s genre also plays a role. Superhero movies and action flicks rely heavily on low angles to heighten the sense of power and dynamism. Imagine watching Superman soar through the sky – wouldn’t a low angle shot be far more impactful than one from above? After all, as Sareesh puts it, “What’s the point of a super-hero with a perfect jawline if you can’t see it?” 🙂
The technical side
Last but not least, there’s also the practicality. Setting up a high-angle shot often requires expensive gear like cranes or dollies. A low shot, on the other hand, is often simpler and much faster to achieve.
Sareesh concludes that the next time you watch a movie – just enjoy the movie! However, when you watch it for the second time, pay attention to the camera angles. Notice how low shots are used to shape your perception of the characters and the story. And remember, there’s no right or wrong answer – even high angles can be powerful tools when used intentionally.
[Why Low Angles are used Twice as much as High Angles | wolfcrow]
