The 180-degree rule is possibly the most basic principle of filmmaking and production. Whilst using the rule can establish characters and action; resulting in the audiences focused sight line and continuity of the scene, disregarding the rule for dramatic effect can create disorientation for the viewers. >To understand the 180-degree rule, you must first understand the definition of 'Lines of action. This consists of an imaginary line between the subject and the item or person that they are interacting with. This may also be conveyed with movement, by which an imaginary line is displayed on a path in which the subject is moving on. Many things can establish lines of action, for example: -Camera movement -Neutral shots
-Cut away's New action lines are always established through the 180-degree arc, and create shifts within the scene. >The 180-degree rule can be shown by this diagram. All shots should be filmed from within the 180-degree arc to maintain screen direction. If shots are outside of this arc or behind the line of action, viewers may be disorientated and confused as their eye-line and focus can change.
>Directors often start with establishing shots or master shots to give their audience a basic geography of the scene, this determines screen direction. This is one way that directors are able to break the 180-degree rule as the establishing shot allows them to shift the action line. This implies disorientation and delusion within the scene implying the characters self-deception. This is done in Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining', creating discombobulation for both his audience and the main character.
How does the director of Peaky Blinders use camera angles and mise en scene to establish expectation and character?
The red and orange colour palette signifies a 'hell-like' place, which may foreshadow the danger, destruction, and chaos which is about to take place as the colour indicates a warning signal. Similarly, the monotone costumes, emphasised by the rule of thirds convey a foreboding atmosphere due to their contrast against the vibrant orange background. Likewise, this may indicate the three main characters as satanic and rebellious, which is enforced by the shallow focus and rule of thirds as this directs the audience's eyes to focus on them this suggests their power over their group. Not only this, the director allows lead room, allowing them to lead their group; re-emphasising their power and significance. Despite this, the director uses geometric compositions to construct a single, main leader, the composition allows this character to be front and central above the others and as a result, means the viewers will be focused on him. Much like the first image, this shot conveys chaos and disorder by using a low angle to show the reflection from the puddle. The dark colour palette and shadows from the tall buildings represent threat and suspense as the audience
are unable to clearly see everything within the shot, resulting in unease and tension. As a result, the audience may feel disorientated and apprehensive about what may happen. this signifies the 'peaky blinders' dangerous and threatening reputation, this is similar to the first image as it creates a foreboding atmosphere for the audience. A wide angle is used, revealing a fire on the top-left corner also indicates warning and threat, and perhaps the intimidation and power of the group as they are walking beside it; as equals. Equally to the first shot, the geometric composition is used to emphasise the importance of the main characters and their power over everything and everyone within the shot.
The monochrome, almost identical costume costumes in the third shotindicates their solidarity and conveys the group as a pack of animals, for example, a herd of lions. As a result, the group seem intimidating and threatening as if they are hunting prey like lions would. Like the first image, dynamics between the characters are shown through geometric composition. This highlights power and control between the main characters. The geometric composition also allows audiences to see the ruler of the group as he is in central focus of the shot.
The warm colour palette appears inviting and welcoming, this perhaps makes the audience feel settled and involved within the group. The shot is behind the characters, thus making viewers feel as if they're following the pack. Alternatively the camera shot from behind, may imply intimidation as the group is seen as a solid pack, yet their faces aren't shown. Contrastingly, the smoke implies distortion and illusion, which may create an unsettling and disorienating atmosphere for Peaky Blinders audience and viewers, much like the disorientation within the 2nd shot.
