Establishing Point of View
What's the Big Deal with POV? It's your AMC Premier Pass to emotional investment. The difference between your audience thinking, "Oh, that character is going through some drama," and "Holy cats, I feel like I'm right in the litter box!" Make your audience forget they're staring at a screen and believe they're in your character's head, heart, and even their nightmares.
POV Techniques to Steal... Er, Borrow:
The Classic Over-the-Shoulder: In "The Office," these shots bring us closer to the awkward and heartfelt moments between characters. We feel like we're in the conference room, cringing and laughing along with them.
"Sherlock" uses this technique during Holmes' deductions, making us feel like we're participating in his brilliant process, solving the mystery alongside him.
In "Mad Max: Fury Road," over-the-shoulders pull us into the chaotic, adrenaline-fueled chases, giving us a personal and dynamic perspective.
The Unreliable Narrator: "Mr. Robot" nails this. We see the world through Elliot's eyes as his mental state distorts his perception. Use this to share a fragile psyche or skewed worldview.
In "Gone Girl," Amy's diary entries provide a deceptive narrative, keeping the audience guessing what's real and fabricated, a masterclass in manipulating POV.
"Black Swan" takes us inside Nina's deteriorating mental state, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. We experience her unraveling firsthand, questioning what's real along with her.
"The Machinist" presents an unreliable perspective through the eyes of Trevor Reznik, whose insomnia and paranoia distort his perception of reality. We're drawn into his twisted world, unsure of what to believe.
The Visceral First-Person: Remember the intense, first-person sequences in "Breaking Bad" when Jesse or Walt are under the influence? First-person can pack a powerful punch. Use it sparingly for high-impact moments.
"Hardcore Henry" is shot entirely in this style, making the audience feel every punch, gunshot, and explosion. The flick’s an adrenaline rush.
In "Daredevil," first-person shots immerse the audience in Matt Murdock's heightened senses, letting us experience the world as he perceives it.
"Requiem for a Dream" uses jarring first-person shots to convey harrowing, disorienting experiences of drug addiction.
The Omniscient Observer: Sometimes stepping back gives you the bigger picture. "The Godfather" uses this masterfully, letting us witness the far-reaching influence and machinations of the Corleone clan.
"The Crown" steps back to show the grand scale of royal life and intrigue, giving us a bird's eye view of the complex web of power and privilege.
"Westworld" utilizes omniscient shots to reveal the intricate complexity of the park and its underlying systems, hinting at bigger mysteries.
In "Game of Thrones," wide shots showcase the vast scope of battles and the intricate political maneuvers, emphasizing the tale’s epic scale.
The Shifting Perspective: "Heroes" let Millenials and Boomers experience the story through multiple character POVs. It's tricky to pull off, but when done right, it can add depth and complexity to your story.
"Pulp Fiction" shifts perspectives between different characters, weaving an interconnected narrative that keeps the audience engaged and guessing.
"The Witcher" jumps between timelines and perspectives, gradually revealing the full story and relationships between multiple characters.
In "Sense8", the story is told through the interconnected experiences of eight characters, each with their unique viewpoint and skillset.
POV Pitfalls to Avoid:
Whiplash-Inducing POV Changes: Keep transitions smooth unless you're going for a deliberately jarring, disorienting effect.
"Trainspotting" uses abrupt, jarring POV shifts effectively during intense drug sequences to convey the characters' chaotic experiences.
Inconsistent POV: If you establish a character-driven POV, stick with it. Suddenly jumping to the perspective of an omniscient narrator can shatter hard earned immersion faster than an “Alias” plot twist.
"The Handmaid's Tale" remains consistent with June's POV, keeping the audience deeply connected to her harrowing experience in Gilead.
When you nail POV, your audience doesn't just watch the hero save the world – they feel like the hero saved them! They don't just see the villain's downfall – they feel the victory in their soul. So, choose POV wisely, and immerse your audience so intensely they forget their sweaty backside’s glued to the pleather couchfeet or sneakers stuck to the movie theater floor.
My curated YouTube Playlist of Cinematic Techniques: https://tinyurl.com/Film-School-101
