“I think the camera was always my obsession, the camera movements. For me, the most important thing in the movie is the camera because, without the camera, the film is just a stage or television- nothing.”
-Dario Argento
Camera movements can be defined as the most effective and expressive technique for filmmakers. Camera movements allow the filmmakers to modify the connection between the camera frame and object according to the desired perspective of viewers. Moreover, time, space and style of controlling camera movements enhance the efficacy of the narrative. (Dombrowski, 2007) The following paper analyses two camera movement techniques, zoom and crane, with the context of a marvellous movie of all time named “The Lord of the Rings.”
In the field of filmmaking and video production, crane shots play a significant role. Most of the crane shots need a camera and operator, and in the modern era of advanced technology, camera cranes also operate with remote controls. In “The Lord of the Rings” crane camera movement used to picture the immensity of armies which adds an epic effect to the massiveness of crowd and vastness of the landscape.
Along with other camera movements and techniques, “The Lord of the Rings” also employed the zoom-in method, which is known as extreme close-up (ECU). Through the implications of zoom camera movement, Peter Jackson sprinkles a dramatic and fantasy-based tinge to the starting scene of the movie. The scene depicts the shadow of Mordor Sauron wearing the legendary ring. The entire film revolves around the ring, and therefore, Jackson captures it in a detailed manner. The zoom-in approach makes the inscription on the ring clear and mysterious to the audience and enhances the dreamy and vintage feel of the backdrop.
Work Cited
Jackson, Peter, director. Lord of the Rings (Motion Picture: 2001-2003).
“Dario Argento Quotes.” BrainyQuote, Xplore, www.brainyquote.com/authors/dario_argento.
Dombrowski., Lisa. “Camera Movement.” Schirmer Encyclopedia of Film, Encyclopedia.com, 2007,
www.encyclopedia.com/arts/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/camera-movement.
