ABSTRACT
The compression and expansion of perspective created by a lens’ focal length can help visualize relationship dynamics between characters, revealing emotional subtext that may or may not be shown through their demeanor or actual physical placement within the space. Shot composition have a significant influence on the impact of the technique, making the intended relationship dynamic more overt or subtle by the thoughtful placement of subjects within the frame. The awkwardness of their encounter is visualized by the extreme expansion of perspective made possible with a 10 mm wide-angle lens, used to exaggerate the distance between them in two over-the-shoulder shots. The perspective manipulation reflects the emotional distance they feel at this moment, but the impact of the spatial distortion is magnified by the drastic change in the perceived distance between them that occurs when the shot cuts from a high-angle that establishes the layout of the bedroom and their placement, to the over-the-shoulder shots that revise this arrangement.
