Low-angle shot

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In cinematography, a low-angle shot, is a shot from a camera positioned low on the vertical axis, often at knee height, looking up. This technique is sometimes used in scenes of confrontation to illustrate which character holds the higher position of power, and is a common element in the aesthetic texture of certain genres such as film noir.

[edit] Famous examples

  • Citizen Kane (directed by Orson Welles) — there are many examples such as during the scene where Kane fires Leland.
  • Psycho (directed by Alfred Hitchcock) — the house where Norman Bates lives is usually shot from a low angle.
  • Star Wars (directed by George Lucas) — Darth Vader is often shot at a low angle, for example, the first time we see his character as he is walking down a hallway.
  • Touch of Evil (directed by Orson Welles) — In this film noir, Hank Quinlan is often shot in low angle to make him look menacing, large, and in-charge.