Cinematography analysis from the movie "Heat"

           Cinematography is a key essence of movie making and is often used to portray certain themes or create empathy from the viewers towards the characters. We were tasked with analyzing 8 types of camera shots from the film's opening.


1. Big close up

Purpose: To interestingly reveal a character’s identity and show that they have a significant role. (Other bank workers do not really get this close up treatment in the beginning.)
-To thoroughly convey the character’s emotion to the audience.

Effect:-Black Background foreshadows negative events (he’s also looking towards it) and suggests the anonymity of the character 

- Creates sympathy:We see his face in close detail showing  quite a nervous expression about his upcoming actions


2.Very High Angle

Purpose: Gives the audience a surveillance camera-like view of the scene, settings and also props. 




Effect: This allows the audience to be informed about the context of the scene easily and what’s going on.


3. 2-Shot
Purpose: Establishes the relation between the 2 characters
-Used to foreshadow the bank robbing ( The man in the coat looks around to survey his atmosphere before putting on his mask)

Effect: One of the armed robbers looks back at the security guard to assure that the situation is optimal to cause aggression 

-The guard also seems to be looking away showing his ignorance for the events that are about to occur (robbery!)

4. Panning (from 1:00-1:04)

 Purpose: Informs the audience of sudden events in the scene
-Conveys violence and brutality both through camera panning (which is very fast) and also actions (punching etc)



Effects:The panning that occurs during this scene creates a strong sense of tension. It is significant because it completely changes the mood of the scene. 

5. Long shot

Purpose:- gives the audience a good grasp of ongoing events

-Shows the character’s power statuses

Effects:-shows power differences. The armed robber is standing and running whilst other characters (bank workers) are crouching for the sake of their safety. He is now even giving them orders, emphasising on his authority.

6. Track Shot                                                     Purpose: Gives the audience a unique perspective

-they are able to see his facial expressions and emotions in this face paced scene 

-This also gives a view of the background, adding context 

Effect: -The camera is quite palpitating which conveys a panicked mood

-It also goes for an equal pace with the running man suggesting that the audience should show sympathy.

 -fear and anxiety maybe conveyed from his expression and the camera’s pace.

7.Over the shoulder

Purpose: -The editors may have chosen to use this to convey empathy to the audience. We are given the character’s POV as he faces a horde of police cars. 

Effect: -The Audience is imbued with a sense of empathy towards the character as he aims sharply.

Moreover, by using this angle the audience can feel as if they are dragged to be a part of the film itself. 

-It also emphasizes on his precision.

8.Zoom

Purpose: Possibly to divert the audience from the characters and to the collateral damage caused on the police car

-Can also be interpreted as an “eye line match’ from the gun bearers to their targets.

Effect: This may metaphorically show the collapse of justice as police are often used to connote with it. But now, their vehicles have been damaged and many cohorts lost.