ABSTRACT
Many of the narrative techniques that involve selective focus have existed for decades; others are variations on existing techniques possible thanks to technological innovation. However, one of the remarkable features of cinema as an art form is that its language is continually evolving, not only because of technological innovation, but also because of the way existing techniques can communicate new meanings based on how they are used within the context of each movie. Filmmakers can, in effect, expand the circle of techniques and their meanings with every story they tell. The key is to understand how the narrative connotations of a given technique can be changed so that it is understood in a new way by the audience, which can be done when it is part of a coordinated visual strategy that takes into account the broader image system of a film.
