What's unique about this example of framing is that there are two subjects joined into one center of focus for the viewer's eye. Everything is foregrounded and nothing is backgrounded. Spielberg wants you to explore the entire subjects as if he didn't want distractions. However, there are parts of the subject(s) that Spielberg chose to highlight. Notice the lighting. Light is coming from two horizontal angles illuminating their faces. It effectively allows you to see each of their personal expressions that almost summarize their characters. Anderton, for example, has a determined look, while Agatha has one of worry and surprise. This shot is an archetypical medium close up. The subject is framed from the chest up. This shot focuses on the subject, rather than the environment the subject is within. And, instead of focusing on someone's entire body language, a medium close up hones in on the smaller details of their face. That, complimented with the light, gives us an idea of these characters in the moment from a simple profile. How does this contribute to this specific movie as a whole? Not until the last moments of the rising action and the ultimate climax of the film do we see these to characters so close together, especially after being engrossed into the plot. Not until Anderton is carrying Agatha away do we see them side-by-side, and until this specific shot that captures their reactions to the circumstances around them.
Ford: Terrific comments on the lighting and how it impacts the meaning in the shot.
ReplyDeleteHere are a few questions I have:
1 - What do you mean by "archetypal" when you describe the type of shot? Do you just mean it's a traditional or classic example? "Archetypal" -- in the realm of literature -- has very specific connotations.
2 - Can you provide more details at the end of your post? You mention "the circumstances around them." What are those circumstances? If I remember correctly, this is just before Anderton sees Crowe in the hotel room. How is this context important when we consider this shot?