Extreme Wide Shot

Definition

An extreme wide shot (EWS) is a cinematographic technique where the subject is shown from a very great distance, often placing them within a vast landscape or environment. This type of shot emphasizes the surroundings and can convey a sense of scale, isolation, or context for the narrative. It sets the scene by providing viewers with a clear understanding of the location and mood, serving as an essential tool in storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extreme wide shots are commonly used in opening scenes to establish the setting before introducing characters or action.
2. They help communicate themes such as loneliness or insignificance by showing how small a character can appear in relation to their environment.
3. An EWS can create a dramatic impact, drawing viewers' attention to the vastness of nature or urban landscapes.
4. This shot is often utilized in action sequences to provide context for the scale of events happening within the scene.
5. Extreme wide shots can also serve to visually link different elements of a scene, helping to transition smoothly from one shot to another.

Review Questions

• How does an extreme wide shot contribute to storytelling in film?
  • An extreme wide shot contributes to storytelling by establishing the setting and context for a scene. By placing characters in relation to their environment, it allows viewers to grasp the scale and emotional tone of the narrative. This shot can highlight themes like isolation or grandeur, impacting how audiences perceive character motivations and story developments.
• Compare an extreme wide shot with a standard wide shot in terms of emotional impact and narrative function.
  • While both extreme wide shots and standard wide shots show subjects within their environments, an extreme wide shot has a stronger emotional impact due to its distance and perspective. The EWS can evoke feelings of loneliness or insignificance as characters appear small against vast landscapes. In contrast, a standard wide shot offers a more balanced view that maintains focus on characters while still providing contextual information about their surroundings.
• Evaluate how extreme wide shots can enhance visual storytelling techniques in different film genres.
  • Extreme wide shots enhance visual storytelling by offering distinct perspectives that cater to various film genres. In epic dramas or fantasy films, they emphasize grandeur and spectacle, immersing viewers in expansive worlds. Conversely, in horror films, EWS can create unease by showcasing characters isolated in ominous environments. By manipulating spatial relationships through EWS, filmmakers effectively convey themes and emotions that resonate deeply with audiences across genres.

Related terms

Wide Shot: A wide shot captures the subject from a greater distance than a medium shot, allowing the viewer to see more of the environment while still focusing on the subject.

Establishing Shot: An establishing shot is used at the beginning of a scene to set the context by showing the location and environment, often using extreme wide shots for dramatic effect.

Aspect Ratio: Aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between width and height in an image, influencing how extreme wide shots are framed and perceived on screen.