As classwork we developed our understanding of film terminology, by revising the different camera angles used in film and media, to broaden the range of shots we would be using in our own moving image work. I have chosen to apply this understanding to a modern music video, in order to exemplify the ways in which a contemporary music video director both applies and challenges these conventions. The music video I have chosen in Lady GaGa's 'Bad Romance' which is directed by Francis Lawrence (who is, generally, a movie director [I Am Legend etc.]. His involvement within the video is a perfect example of how movie filming techniques are applied to a music video setting. Below are examples of various camera angles used within the video, and what they signify within the video:
1. Very Wide Shot
The video opens with this very wide shot. This is often used as a substitute for an establishing shot, as it has here, where it opens the video. It is used to show a character in relation to their surroundings.
2. Close Up
A close up of a characters face is usually used to be indicative of the emotion they are feeling, yet this has been challenged by the large glasses which detract from any expression.
3. Long Shot/Two Shot
A long shot is typically used to show the entire figure yet here, as there is no singular figure for the camera to aim it's focus on, the long shot gives complete view to all seven chambers, on screen, coupling in elements of a 'two-shot'.
4. Over-The-Shoulder Shot
An over the shoulder shot is usually used to accompany conversation between two people, yet the use of the shot as GaGa sings into the mirror, is a clever challenging of the conventions to indicate her isolation in the sterile environment.
5. Mid-Shot
A mid-shot is typically used when the subject is delivering information, whilst it is still possible for the viewer to see any hand gestures made by the subject, which is apparent in this shot, as GaGa waves her hands as she sings at the camera.
6. Low Angle Shot
A high angle shot is usually used to show a position of power and status, which is reflected here, in the creatures freedom from the pod.
7. Low Angle Close-Up
The shot here is a close up with the figure singing directly into the camera, which conventionally is an attempt to convey the main figure's emotion to the audience, and the coupling of this technique with the low angle implies that we should sympathise with the character, reinforced by GaGa's facial expression.
8. Straight on Mid-shot
In this angle, GaGa looks directly at the camera. Those in the background are out of focus and her eyes stare directly into the camera, which coupled with the slightly high angle shot, make her look particularly menacing and powerful, in line with the typical conventions.
9. Focus Shift
The focus shift here moves from computer to computer as the camera pans down a line of identical computers. This has been hard to articulate with a picture, obviously.
10. Low angle shot
Here the use of a low angle shot is totally in line with convention in that a low angle shot usually implies a lack of power and status upon the figure in question. This is reflected in the status of GaGa here, who is being sold into prostitution and forced to dance for somebody, reflecting the typically conventions of this angle.
11. Low angle circular pan
The use of the low angle here is at odds with the earlier use and convention in that is conciously implies power and status, with the circular pan reinforcing the fact that she is at the centre of a degrading circle of men.
12. Extreme Close Up
An extreme close up can be used to both conceal and reveal a person's intentions, with the emphasis here being on concealing the emotion of the character by viewing them from a sidewards angle.
13. Zoom Out / Mid Shot / Two Shot
The zoom out reveals the subject of the camera to the audience in a gradual reveal with the mid shot/two shot allowing the audience to gauge what has happened with both characters, relative to their surroundings.
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