Perfection. We all – consciously or unconsciously, one way or another – strive for it. And what a wonderful feeling it is to sit in a dark cinema and enjoy a perfect, eye-pleasing visual composition! There are various ways to create this effect on the audience, with symmetrical shots being the most obvious. Does symmetry always equal harmony, though? Not at all. Let’s take a look at some classic and modern film examples and find out how they work! When we talk about symmetry in shot composition, we mean that different elements of the mise-en-scene have balanced proportions on the opposite sides of a dividing line or axis. Of course, they are not exactly the same – it’s not a mirror reflection after all – but fairly close. Symmetrical shots can be created in various cinematic spaces, either by using leading lines to emphasize depth or by arranging characters in a balanced composition within a flat space. (Head over here to read more about spaces). The possibilities are endless, and the question is: How do we create a shot that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also powerful story-wise? Symmetrical shots: balance and imbalance One way to create a visual story is to work with balance and imbalance. Imagine a shot with intentional symmetry, for instance, this one from the coming-of-age crime drama “Disco Pigs,” based on the play of the same name (at 02:49): A film still from “Disco Pigs” by Kirsten Sheridan, 2001 It’s a top shot, which,...
Published By: CineD - Friday, 7 February