Editing (micro)

Shot-Reverse-Shot and the '180 Degrees Rule'

aka ‘Over the shoulder’ and ‘two shots’

Use your additional cinematography terminology here as well...

MID SHOT or MS

CLOSE UP or CU

EXTREME CLOSE UP or ECU

OVER THE SHOULDER SHOT or TWO SHOT

Exemplar Model Answer

In the scene in Lost (2004), where Jack and Locke argue in the hatch, this would be an example of a shot reverse shot. The technique takes advantage of the 180 degree rule, to ensure that the characters are seen to be facing each other at all times. This is done by ensuring the camera does not pass the invisible line between the two characters. The result is a shot of Jack, looking left at Locke, and a shot that mirrors that, of Locke looking right at Jack. Their eye line is in line with each other, roughly a third of the way down the screen, to provide a smooth edit the audience shouldn't notice. The technique also takes advantage of varying camera angles. Initially the mid shot is used, but gradually as the sequence progresses, the shot moves to a close up, and then an extreme close up. The effect of this is it increases tension, as the audience is brought closer to the drama and action. The use of the ECU in particular allows the audience to see the actors facial expressions, highlighting his anger, confusion and possibly emotional pain.