For this exercise, we are to find examples of:
- frames composed using the rule of thirds
- composition balanced between shots
- rules being broken
- tension created by upsetting the balance
- other distinct meanings suggested through visual balance
Finding images that respect the rule of thirds is very easy as every movie seems to have an abundance of these types of shots. The image below is taken from the parting scene in the movie Casablanca. All the action is taking place in the right third of the frame, with only reflections and lights in the remaining parts of the shot. The lighting is such that Ilsa’s face is fully lit whereas Rick’s face is partly in shadow (due to his hat).
The image below from the 1978 version of Superman with Christopher Reeves, is another perfect example of the rule of thirds with Superman, positioned in the right and bottom right of the frame. There is nothing else to look at except this character. In addition, there is plenty of space for him to fly into. The rest of the frame, with the exception of the Earth below him is completely black.
It was also relatively easy to find shots that had perfectly symmetrical balance that creates a sense of order. In Game of Thrones Season 3, Daenerys walks through the ranks of the Unsullied inspecting them. As a military unit, the audiences expectations of straight lines and balance are met. In addition, Danerys does not disrupt this order but rather, by walking between the lines, maintains the symmetry.
I did come across a few shots where I was uncertain as to whether I was viewing symmetry or a break in symmetry. The first image is from The Clockwork Orange. At first it appears that the shot, albeit sinister looking, is in balance with Alex’s face in the centre. However, the more I looked at this image, the less certain I that it was balanced. It is a creepy image and this is largely due to the expression on Alex’s face and the way he looks up from under the rim of his hat. However, the mascara on only his right eye is what is creating the unbalanced feeling and is also adding to the uneasiness of the shot.
Another image that at first appeared balanced was the shot below from Platoon of William Defoe’s character being shot at the end of the movie. This is one of the most awfully memorable scenes in the movie and the shot where his hands are high in the air, served as the cover and advertising image for the movie. Yet again, it looks as if there is balance but the character is slightly to the left of the frame and I wonder if this was intentionally done to break the symmetry and at the same time not respect the rule of thirds – as it creates an unbalanced effect that is very subtle.
In the image below from Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Ring the balance has been upset to create the disorientating feeling that Frodo is experiencing as the ring comes down towards him. This disorientation and distress is going to continue into the following shots when the ring lands on Frodo’s finger. In the shot, Frodo is in the centre, however his hand and the descending ring break the symmetry and block part of his face and shoulder.
Sources:
100 years/100 shots. Creat. .Jacob T Swinney. 23/04/2016. 6min 19s.
http://nofilmschool.com/2016/04/100-most-iconic-shots-100-years-cinema
Game of Thrones Season 3.[ Television series] Creat. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. Home Box Office (HBO). 2013.