180° Rule
This rule often comes into
use when there is a conversation in a film and is linked closely with
Continuity editing. It says that the line of action should not be
crossed. It therefor precludes a difference greater than 180° between
camera angles.
Below is an example of when
this rule is broken but still makes sense.
A reason why this has been
used is because by crossing 180-degree line it looks like the characters have
switched places and that something unusual is going on. This reflects the
Jokers behavior as someone who isn’t mentally right. It also shows how the
Joker is controlling the situation with Batman and that the Joker doesn’t feel
intimidated at all by the situation.
Although this rule has been
broken, it still makes sense to the audience as the camera starts to move
across the line of action before cutting to the other side. Because we started
to see the camera move we understand what’s happened and it doesn’t confuse us
as an audience. This is a good move as the change keeps the sequence
interesting and the audience doesn’t get bored at looking at the conversation
from the same angle.
Although this example breaks
the rule, the majority of films keep to the rule. The example below shows a car
chase:
Its essential that the editor
applies the 180-degree rule otherwise the audience would be confused as to who
is chasing whom and what’s happening. The footage needs to convey the feeling of
excitement and danger not one of confusion.
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