In the world of filmmaking, every shot is carefully crafted to evoke specific emotions and convey the intended message to the audience. One powerful tool at a filmmaker’s disposal is the camera angle. By manipulating the position of the camera, filmmakers guide the viewers’ perspective, adding depth to the narrative. This is why a very important part of EditMentor’s Advanced Editing Workshop with Stephen Mark, ACE focuses on two fundamental camera perspectives: objective and subjective. In this blog, we’ll delve into how these two perspective plays a pivotal role in visual storytelling.
Defining Perspective vs Camera Angle
One quick note before we get started. Perspective is a characteristic of a camera angle, not a camera angle. For example, there is no “objective perspective shot.” Instead, it’s “that shot shows an objective perspective.” Perspective means point of view. If the shot is telling the story through a character’s (subject’s) point of view, then it’s a subjective perspective shot. If the shot is providing general information, maybe about the environment, then it is not telling any character’s perspective. That’s what makes it objective. It’s not tainted by a character’s emotions. Ok, more below.
Objective Camera Angles
An objective camera angle refers to a neutral, detached perspective that provides an unbiased view of the scene. This angle positions the camera as an observer, allowing the audience to witness events from an objective standpoint. It creates a sense of distance and objectivity, similar to a fly-on-the-wall experience.
The objective camera angle is commonly used to establish a baseline reality, introduce characters, or present factual information. It is prevalent in documentary filmmaking, news reporting, and scenes where the director wants to emphasize realism. By using this angle, filmmakers can provide an unfiltered view of the story, allowing viewers to form their own opinions without any manipulation. Most commonly, the camera angle chosen for objective perspective shots is a wide shot. Two shots are also objective.
Subjective Camera Angles
In contrast to the objective angle, the subjective camera angle places the camera in the shoes of a character, allowing the audience to experience the events through their eyes. This angle immerses the viewer into the character’s perspective, creating a more emotional and personal connection. The subjective camera angle can be achieved through techniques like point-of-view shots, close ups, or tracking shots.
When discussing subjective perspectives, Stephen Mark, ACE shared the following thoughts in his Advanced Film Editing Workshop on EditMentor, “You can put the audience in a position where they feel that they identify with one character and we do this by placing the cameras close to the character whose empathy we want the audience to have. From that point of view, the camera picks up how that person is feeling in the way he or she talks, the tone of their voice, their body language, their eyes, etc…. All of these signals are communicative, and they give you the subtext, not just what they’re saying, but how they feel… It’s a unique quality of moviemaking.”
“People don’t always express their inner thoughts to one another. A conversation may be quite trivial, but often the eyes will reveal what a person thinks or needs.” Alfred Hitchcock
It allows filmmakers to emphasize the character’s emotions, thoughts, and subjectivity. By adopting this angle, the audience events firsthand and gains deeper insight into the character’s motivations and inner world.
Leveraging Objective and Subjective Angles in Visual Storytelling
Both objective and subjective camera angles serve distinct purposes in visual storytelling, and their skillful implementation can significantly enhance the narrative of a video.
Objective angles are often employed to establish context, depict large-scale events, or introduce new locations or characters. For instance, a wide-angle shot capturing a sweeping landscape can set the stage for an epic adventure or emphasize the magnitude of a situation. By presenting events objectively, the filmmaker can focus on the story’s broader themes and provide a panoramic view of the world in which the characters reside.
On the other hand, subjective angles excel at conveying intimate moments, evoking empathy, and emphasizing a character’s emotional state. For example, a close-up shot of a character’s face during a pivotal moment can effectively capture their fear, joy, or sadness. By immersing the audience in the character’s perspective, filmmakers can foster a deeper emotional connection, allowing viewers to empathize with their struggles, triumphs, and dilemmas.
It’s important to note that the choice of camera angle is not mutually exclusive. Filmmakers often employ a combination of objective and subjective angles through editing to create a layered and dynamic visual narrative. By skillfully transitioning between the two, they can manipulate the audience’s emotions, challenge their preconceptions, and create a more engaging cinematic experience.
Final Notes
Camera angles play a vital role in visual storytelling, allowing filmmakers to shape the audience’s perception and emotional engagement with the narrative. The objective camera angle provides a neutral, detached perspective, while the subjective angle immerses viewers in a character’s experiences.
By understanding the distinct qualities of each angle and skillfully implementing them, filmmakers can craft compelling stories that resonate with their audience on a profound level. The interplay between objective and subjective camera angles adds depth, complexity, and authenticity to the storytelling process, making the cinematic experience all the more captivating.
If you’re a teacher, you can sign up for an EditMentor education plan and review lessons on different camera angles, the 180-degree rule, objective and subjective perspective shots and more.
