introduction

The Filmmaker’s Eye presents an integrated approach to understanding and applying the rules of cinematic composition, one that takes into account both the technical and narrative aspects that make shots like the example from Up in the Air so powerful. As the language of cinema expanded its vocabulary, the way certain rules of composition and cinematic techniques were applied to some shots became standardized, in the same way certain shot sizes developed specialized narrative functions. The Filmmaker’s Eye takes a new approach to understanding the rules of cinematic composition (and how to break them) that goes beyond technical descriptions and basic utilitarian narrative conventions.