Camera Angles Analysis from a Film!

This clip is from the ending of the film the Da Vinci Code - one of my favourite films - and I was analysing the use and effect of different camera angles to help with my Media AS Course for when I shoot my Preliminary Task and my Thriller. In the first ten seconds of the clip, a high angle shot of Paris is used to show where the character is situated and then they change to a long shot to be more specific as to where he actually is such as What building? What street?. The effect of this is that the audience can familiarise themselves with the setting and scene and then can understand the story because the impact of the scene is significant due to the relevance of the plot. It can also say a lot about the character by showing the place using a long shot as in this scene, it appears posh and of a higher class therefore suggesting a lot about the main character - giving the impression that he is wealthy and of importance.

 They then focus to the main character, after finding out his whereabouts, and use an over the shoulder shot, focusing on his reflection in the mirror. This is effective as it shows us multiple angles of the main subject which can show gesture and emotion. An extreme close-up is also used on an object to signify importance as close attention is given meaning the audience can get a perspective of the main character and gain further understanding. I must consider this when doing my Media AS Course so I can express the emotion to the audience so it is believable and tells a story without words.

The director also uses a lot of shots without the main character in and instead a high angle shot is used to give the impression that it is from the perspective of the subject. This is effective because as long as we can understand from whose viewpoint it is, we can then empathise and follow the characters situation. This is useful to consider for my Preliminary Task and my Thriller as the focus could be on the setting to gain further understanding as oppose to the scene being taken up or blocked by a person when it is not necessary or essential.