Research into Cinematography - Miss Miller

'Orphan Clip'

In this essay, I will be discussing cinematography used in the thriller genre. Cinematography is the art or technique of moving photography including both the shooting and development of the film.                                                     

The clip that I chose to analyse is the scene ‘Orphan Sister Abigail’s Death Scene’ I chose to analyse this particular clip because I feel that there are different varieties of camera angles and effects used.

The camera is positioned at a low angle on Esther whilst she is murdering Sister Abigail to make her appear bigger; this is effective to the thriller genre as it gives the audience the impression that Esther is in control and above her victim who at the time is defenseless.

Once Sister Abigail had been hit the camera is at a long shot angle showing the little girl Max, the orphan Esther and the nun Sister Abigail. This shows the audience the whole of the background and scenario so they can see what is around the characters whilst the murder is taking place. This is effective to the thriller genre as it adds tension because it is placed in an everyday road which the camera pictures in the long shot where someone could drive by and witness the murder. This leaves the audience feeling on edge as they are unaware whether the orphan is going to get away with this attack or get caught which also adds unexpectancy.

There is a midshot of Esther once she realises a car is coming. This enables the audience to see the emotion on her face which is shocked this portrays fear after committing an aggressive murder. A midshot also shows some of the scenario which is Esther hiding behind a wall which portrays her fear and the anxiety of being caught. This is effective to a thriller film as it gives the audience an insight into the feelings of the characters through their expressions and posture.