The Power of Height in Film

            "Up" might not normally be associated with film, but height and vertical movement actually play huge roles in movie making. All sorts of camera techniques are used to convey a variety of different emotions, but those involving "up" can arguably be the most powerful. Specifically, camera height and shots involving cranes (or jibs) can be used to imply or emphasize a certain feeling.

             Camera height primarily is used to symbolize power, though that is not always the case. If the camera is looking down at a subject, it typically implies that the subject is weak, in danger, or "small." Alternatively, if the camera looks up at a subject, it conveys power, strength, and intimidation. You can see these types of angles used constantly in film - here's a shot from "Inglorious Basterds" showing two characters looking down at their prisoner:

 Them simply being "above" the viewer says everything that needs to be said about who is in control in that situation. Alternatively, here is a screenshot from "The Avengers," where, even though these characters are superheroes, the audience is guided to fear for the heroes' safety due to the impending large-scale danger:

             Camera cranes, also known as jibs, are also used quite often to amplify certain emotions. Typically a sweeping crane movement only happens when something emotionally significant is occurring, or if there is something in the shot that needs to be emphasized. Here is a clip from "Gone with the Wind," where as the camera cranes upward, a vast landscape of wounded soldiers becomes visible, packing quite the emotional punch for the viewer:

Filmmakers have long taken advantage of height in shot composition, especially because these implications do not need to be taught and are inherently embedded into most people's minds.

             In class we discussed metaphors and assigning meaning to something with none, and these types of shots are a great example of that. The filmmaker never explicitly says, "the camera is moving up now because this is an emotional moment," yet the viewer infers that nearly automatically, whether or not they actually are aware of it. One could examine the simple technical aspect of it, in that a camera crane could be used just to reveal more of a certain area or set, but certain emotions and implications are completely tied with upward movement and high angles, rendering it nearly impossible to have those kinds of shots and not imply certain messages.


References:
http://filmschoolonline.com/info/camera_height.htm
http://schoolvideonews.com/Videography/Cranes-and-Jibs