Framing And Composition Analysis

To help me when filming my final piece, I decided to analyse certain framing and composition techniques and in particular their symbolism and what they represent. This is so I could find techniques that are conventions to the thriller genre. When I researched the following techniques came up. I researched the ones most relevant to my narrative to give me an indication of how I can use the techniques effectively when it comes to our final piece. I also researched case studies from existing thriller films to help me.

Rules of thirds:
The rule of thirds is where each frame is split into nine equal squares/rectangles. The lines that makes these shapes are equally spaced. The rule of thirds suggests that a frame is more visually pleasing to look at when the objects within it conform to the lines or spaces according to the rule.

This picture shows two people positioned on the centre vertical lines in terms of the grid of the rule of thirds. This can be used to represent two people as being equal as they are positioned equally in terms of ration and distance from the edges of the frames. However, it can also be used to represent two people as against each other by separating them. They are split through a line of symmetry down the centre of the frame and it can use the theory of binary opposition to make them seem like enemies.

Having one object or person directly in the middle of the thirds can be used to highlight this person as the significant aspect of the frame. This is also used when there is a difference of lighting on the left and right thirds of the frame. It often suggests that the person in the centre has a decision to make and the two lights represent the options they can choose.

Head space:

This rule gives actors room above their heads within a frame. It says that there shouldn’t be more than half a head space above them but there also shouldn’t be any less.

In the film 'Se7en' This rule was broken throughout the film intentionally when it came to a female character who is the wife of one of the lead characters: Mills. In the end of the film she has her head cut off and sent to Mills in a box. To foreshadow this, the director ensured that in every frame possible that she was features in, they broke this rule cutting off the top of her head. This foreshadowed her having her head cut off throughout the film.

Symmetrical and Asymmetrical:

Symmetry within a frame is often used to represent a character’s feelings or emotions. It can also be used to portray the situation. For example, if someone is peaceful and relaxed symmetrical framing will be used to suggest everything is in order and how it should be. This can also be used to show how a character is feeling eg. content and happy. However, if there is a problem within a narrative, asymmetrical framing will be used to represent disorder. The emotions: confused and wary would also be represented through asymmetry.



Depth of field:

Depth of field refers to the distance between two objects that are 'sharply' in focus. Within depth of field you can have a very large distance or a very short distance. Short distances between two in focus objects can signify a relationship between them and the strength within it. A long distance can also signify this suggesting that even though the relationship may not be conventional, it is still strong. On the other hand, depth of field can also be used to signify a relationship coming together throughout a narrative. If the depth of field begins to be a shorter distance but progressively becomes larger, it could signify a relationship breaking and vice versa.


180-degree rule:
A rule stating that a camera should be placed somewhere inside 180 degrees on a particular side of the invisible line of a shot containing two people filmed in sequence.  If the camera crosses the line, confusion results for the film viewers, because it makes it look like the people are switching places as someone watches the film.
How will this help me:
This will help me think of the representation of the way props and character are positioned within the frame in my section. For example, because the villain is the more threatening character i could make sure he takes up the majority of the screen and break the head space rule to make him seem like a greater presence. I could also use the asymmetrical framing frequently throughout my opening sequence to display the disorder of the situation.