Observational Documentaries aim to provide a scene that allows for the character, or main prop, to be in focus. They leave the setting untouched, with little movement, as a way to highlight a character in their natural, candid state. The audience are spectators in a character’s life rather than the character being aware of a camera, the characters are uninterrupted by action and full focus can be on them and their actions. Often this indicates an important scene, or an emotional moment where the audience realises something that would not be shown through close camera use and constant movement. Furthermore, observational mode often demonstrates vulnerability, and openness, the camera captures every movement of what is in scene and allows for an audiences eyes to wander and relate setting to character.
Film makers may often use this form of filming in order to demonstrate a new perspective, that of human experience. In order to gain a firm grasp on a characters actions and feelings, the observational mode introduces a setting for movement to seem small, yet important. Human thought and feeling is portrayed slowly; each move makes a large impact on a steady screen, when there is a lack of movement, the minuscule details from a character is exposed. A film maker will do this to emphasise how the character is feeling in the moment, what thought process they are going through, and the importance of their actions. Cinéma Vérité translates into “truthful cinema”, this proposes the idea of audience, and film maker, to have no interference within the scene, we are stood out the way and watch the character, while real life events unfold.
CI: To create an observational documentary that includes mise-en-scene, movement and framing to communicate a certain feeling, sense, or setting.
Shots and how they used framing and composition to add meaning to the sense of the school / Sixth Form Centre as a place.
Shot 1, left: I find this shot one of my favourites. The focus on a foreground object rather than the characters in the background creates a serene atmosphere, by using a shallow depth of field allows for us to take our focus away from the characters and enjoy the setting around it. The shallow depth of field also helps to negate distractions and focus on the main object, while here it is simply a rock it still creates a sense of calmness, and intrigues us into what the two characters are talking about, and why we can’t get closer to see. Keeping the characters far from the camera inspires that curiosity and allows us to sit back and question the meaning for this camera position and focus. The Sixth Form is presented as a private area, not cramped and busy, instead open and relaxing – where there is little interruption from others or nature.
Shot 2, middle: This shot is good in my opinion as the wide angle, along with the centered position of the character creates a strange atmosphere, the eerily empty corridor along with the symmetrical lining of lockers is utilised to further emphasise isolation, simplicity and curiosity. The shot from the backs makes the audience feel as though they are invisible spectators to the character’s life. We serve as cameras watching the character go on in their life, without them noticing. This means the character is in their raw, natural state as they walk away, we get an insight on their feelings and therefore actions. Without being able to see the face, we are left to interpret how they might be feeling, further adding to the audience and their interest. As they walk through the corridor, we see the sixth form as a route to get somewhere important, they walk through with meaning and confidence, directly down the middle before they turn a corner. This could indicate emptiness of the school, or rather an abnormality in the day-to-day life that normally goes on during school.
Shot 3, right: Similarly to shot 2, I like this shot due to the symmetrically of the room, and its objects. The shot has no movement other than a light flickering of the lamp. This is commonly used in horrors or serious moments within film. Used here, I feel as though it highlights isolation and creates a desolate, lonely environment. The spacious room, contrasted by the lack of movement further connotes the eerie atmosphere and causes us to question where everyone is, and why there is nobody here. Additionally, the positioning of the camera above the room, as well a centered indicates importance and vulnerability from below. Here we have the superior stance at the top, yet there is nothing below, the makes you camera feels alone and forgotten, rather than intimidating as most high angles would do.
In the future I would like to incorporate a wider range of movement, or involvement of a character/s. I feel like meaning is created greatly through not only the setting, but what happens within the setting, and a character’s actions. This would help enhance the audience’s view Sixth form, and what is we wish to present through the camera.