Camera shots and angles used in "North by North West" and "The Dark Knight Rises"

In this post I will be comparing shots that are used in both North by North West and The Dark Knight Rises. This is to see if modern thrillers use the same camera shots/angles to add the same effect for if they differentiate from the old classic thrillers.

My shots chosen to analyse

Tracking shot - A tracking shot is when the camera follow a character around usually left and right  (can be forward and backward) while the camera is fixed on rails/tracks.

Close up - A close up is when we can see small items or creatures. This is usually the size of a face and is used as it helps the audience see facial expressions better.

Low angle - A low angle shot is when the camera is positioned low down and looks up at whatever is in the frame. This is used to make what ever is in the frame much bigger than what it actually is.

North by North West

Firstly, a low angle shot was used showing the climb back up the monument to look much larger. This is because this camera angle therefore prevents a challenge to Roger and Eve, This adds suspense as the audience will start to think that our protagonists will fall and can not make it; we are on the edge of our seats as this life and death situation has now become a challenge. Alternatively this could suggest that as the climb seems to be a long way up, that the only way could be to go down. The audience start feeling doubtful as the protagonists and take the jump or may fall.

Link - Low angle shot of monument

Secondly a close up was used to show the audience the contents of Eve's bag. She had a gun. This fills the audience with suspicion as this innocent woman is seen in another light; she could harm our protagonist. Therefore the audience start having different opinions on Eve and what she is up to, the audience are confused and suspicious. On the other hand some people may see that Roger could be in danger so Eve is prepared to protects him. This close-up leaves mixed messages so that the plot is left open. I was not able to find an image of the bag but here is an image of the shot just before and is around 80 minuets into the film.

Lastly a tracking shot was used to show the relationship between Roger and Eve. They were coming closer together and the tracking shot was suggesting that they are in love in one and other. Therefore this tracking shot slows down the pace of the film to focus on the two; but they cant be together for complicated reasons. This adds sadness to the audience as they want to see Roger and Eve get together as they seem so happy but they can't as they are in danger. 

The Dark Knight Rises

Firstly a low angle shot was used to also show the climb up to seem harder and bigger. This is also used to make this task look like a challenge as this angle emphasizes that not everyone is able to climb to their freedom and most of the people are trapped. Therefore this shows the audience Bane is not to be messed with as he effortlessly climbed to the top of the prison when he was a child; not even the adults could do it. Batman will have a difficult time defeating Bane if he was able to complete this challenge so the audience start to feel anxious as Batman may not be able to succeed. 

Link - Low angle shot of man climbing up

Secondly a close up was also used. The close up was to show Batman and how injured and helpless he was. It was used to to help show more detail so that the audience were able to clearly see Batman's conditions. This was used for the same effect as it opens the plot to different paths and the audience are left confused as so many events could happen from that point that will change the film. The audience may think that Batman will get up and fight for whats right or it may even be the end; this adds suspense and the audience are on the edge of their seat.

Lastly a tracking shot was used to show the relationship between Batman and Bane. They are enemies and they despise each other so the tracking shot that follows their fight emphasizes their hate. The tracking shot enables the audience to follow the fight to see who will win and this adds suspense as we want our hero/protagonist to win. Also the shot clearly shows the audience the bad relationship between the two and this further adds suspense as it seems like this will be a dual to the end.