Analyzing Shots in Real Film
I chose to analyze the shots within the 2001 movie "A Beautiful Mind".
The film was based on the life of John Nash, a mathematical genius that struggled with schizophrenia. As a drama, the movie encompasses typical shots you would find in major motion pictures, but some angles were particularly notable. The movie has certain characters that are reflections of the characters in John's head, making it seem real in the audience's perception. The camera angles were chosen to show the deep confusion and strain his mental illness put on his life.
The first shot I commented on was this dolly shot. The camera is shot from the perspective of John's "prodigal roommate" while he walked into the library. This shot makes the viewer feel apart of the scene. John had been skipping his classes at Princeton University, devoting his entire effort to creating a mathematical theory that would go down in history. You could tell he was distressed by his expression when the camera eventually got to him.
The next shot I thought was significant was this collection of over the shoulder and close-up shots between John and his professor, Helinger. While reviewing his work, the camera would show John's emotions of worry and anticipation. Then the camera would go back to Helinger, with shock and amazement in his expression. As his first true discovery, Nash is thrilled to get the recognition from his renowned professor. In this scene, the pride in Helinger and Nash's face is a testament to the bond they've formed.
A transition from a long shot to a close-up, this scene introduces a new character, Parcher, a supposed recruiter for the US Government to break Russian codes. Later in the movie it is revealed that Parcher is one of John's allusions, reflecting the scary part of John's mind. In this long shot, the background of Princeton's fine architecture is displayed. The setting is dark and ominous, similar to Parcher's influence in John's life.
A major day in John's life was his wedding. This clip went from an extreme-close up to a high angle, and ended with a medium shot. These angles were able to capture the joy in the couple's faces. John met Alicia at Princeton in his class, and they instantly fell in love. Alicia is largely responsible for supporting John over the years. She helped him to overcome his disease, and live without fear. John, a very introverted, peculiar individual, was lucky to find someone to appreciate him and join him in his journey.
After completing all his steps of treatment, John is released from the facility. Living with his family, he spends most of his time on his porch, careful not to scare his wife and son. They moved out of the city, in a suburban area near Princeton. Alicia supports the family by herself, managing the cleaning, finances, and care for their child. This scene introduces their new house and lifestyle, hoping for a calm and smooth life onward. His friend from college, Sol, came to visit him.
The film was based on the life of John Nash, a mathematical genius that struggled with schizophrenia. As a drama, the movie encompasses typical shots you would find in major motion pictures, but some angles were particularly notable. The movie has certain characters that are reflections of the characters in John's head, making it seem real in the audience's perception. The camera angles were chosen to show the deep confusion and strain his mental illness put on his life.
The first shot I commented on was this dolly shot. The camera is shot from the perspective of John's "prodigal roommate" while he walked into the library. This shot makes the viewer feel apart of the scene. John had been skipping his classes at Princeton University, devoting his entire effort to creating a mathematical theory that would go down in history. You could tell he was distressed by his expression when the camera eventually got to him.
A transition from a long shot to a close-up, this scene introduces a new character, Parcher, a supposed recruiter for the US Government to break Russian codes. Later in the movie it is revealed that Parcher is one of John's allusions, reflecting the scary part of John's mind. In this long shot, the background of Princeton's fine architecture is displayed. The setting is dark and ominous, similar to Parcher's influence in John's life.
A major day in John's life was his wedding. This clip went from an extreme-close up to a high angle, and ended with a medium shot. These angles were able to capture the joy in the couple's faces. John met Alicia at Princeton in his class, and they instantly fell in love. Alicia is largely responsible for supporting John over the years. She helped him to overcome his disease, and live without fear. John, a very introverted, peculiar individual, was lucky to find someone to appreciate him and join him in his journey.
This shot was very powerful from a Bird's Eye View. Diagnosed by Dr. Rosen with schizophrenia, John was getting treatment through electro-shock therapy, a common practice during the time. Making eye contact with Alicia, his wife standing above behind the viewing window, the pain and fear is written across his face. The viewer feels guilt and discomfort watching him from this angle. As a step to recovery, he had to go through this experience. The director's choice to use a bird's eye view enhances the disconnect from John and society.
I thought this was an interesting way of using a low-angle shot. Alicia encourages John to work at the University as a way to adjust to social interactions once again. A few seconds prior, he formally said goodbye to his delusions of Charles and Marcee. After seeing this, the man still welcomes him into his classroom to audit his class. The class of students obviously thinks highly of him, emphasized by the low angle.
The final segment was a collection of high-angle shots, chokers, extreme close-ups, and follow shots. Placing a pen at one's table was a token of respect and achievement, introduced in the beginning of the film. This offers a sense of closure in John's life, showing a true transformation. The high-angle showed the setting as a whole. The chokers portrayed John's emotions of earnest gratitude. The extreme-close ups highlighted the recognition of each pen being set by him. And the follow shots demonstrated the several people who appreciated his intricate work in the field of mathematics, despite his mental disorder.
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