Objective and Subjective Points Of View in Cinematography - "12 Years a Slave" (2013).

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Objective and Subjective Points Of View in Cinematography - "12 Years a Slave" (2013).

Cinematographic elements in "12 Years a Slave".

It is clear to see Steve McQueen's "12 Years a Slave" film is no short of providing excellent cinematography; but we know this particular film element isn't its main focus. The story, historical authenticity, dialogue, maybe equal to or more of an important feature but without use of good cinematography, the film may lessen its storytelling impact. Incorrect cinematography may confuse the audience into focusing on the wrong character or item during an important section in the story. For example, it would not be of most reasonable sense to not show the hero in the frames of the picture when he or she is about to defeat the villain in most films.

"The core of most films , cinematography in general and the shot specifically offer a remarkable range of options: from framing and depth through movement and color." (Corrigan and White 2012. p.105)

Objective and Subjective Point-Of-View:

Objective shot showing both characters talking to each other.

Subjective shot as it is an over-the-shoulder shot representing the perspective from the near character.

Although the line between the two terms may be blurred but most films do at some point capture shots that are quite easily distinguishable. First, an objective shot is not to be portrayed by a character in the film. It should almost be like a perspective of a random bystander viewing the scene. The latter is about viewing the picture from a character's perspective. The camera here can be shot over-the-shoulder, behind the character, or even in the character's shoes (point of view). This is to get a closer look at what the portraying character is looking at while objective shots are more for location and atmospheric awareness. As these are just only mere ideas of camera perspective, the distance of the shots can drastically change the effect of each perspective.

Close-up shot with shallow field of depth.

Medium shot to show other characters are behaving around the main character.

Close-up shot to see character's facial expression.

Long shot showing what the characters are working on.

Camera Distance and Field of Depth:

With the power of editing, film makers can shoot several different shots of the same scene to fully capture everything they need for atmospheric or story-telling purposes. From the pictures above, close-up shots can show character's emotion while long shots capture the surrounding area. Field of depth can also play an important role too. Blurring the background or the foreground or both can make the audience focus on things of significance rather than getting distracted by something else. With both camera distance and field of depth combined, films can visually direct the audiences' attention to better deliver story.

References:

Book: Corrigan, T,. P, White,. (2012). The Film Experience: An Introduction. Boston. Bedford/St.Martins.

Film: McQueen, S. (Director). (2013). 12 Years a Slave. [motion picture] USA: Regency Enterprises, River Road Entertainment, Plan B Entertainment, New Regency Pictures, Film4.

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