Background

Definition

In cinematography, background refers to the visual elements that exist behind the main subject within a shot. It plays a crucial role in framing a scene, adding context, and influencing the viewer's perception of the narrative. By carefully considering the background, filmmakers can create depth, enhance storytelling, and guide the audience's focus through various techniques like depth of field and composition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The background can set the mood and tone of a scene, impacting how viewers emotionally connect with the narrative.
2. Different backgrounds can imply various themes or messages, influencing audience interpretation without explicit dialogue.
3. Filmmakers often use shallow depth of field to blur the background, emphasizing the subject and creating a sense of intimacy.
4. A cluttered or distracting background can take attention away from the main subject, so careful selection and control are essential.
5. In animation and special effects, backgrounds can be manipulated extensively to create fantastical worlds that enhance the storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does background contribute to the overall framing and composition of a shot?
  • Background significantly contributes to framing and composition by providing context and supporting elements that enhance the main subject. A well-chosen background can complement the subject's emotions or actions while also guiding the viewer's gaze through visual pathways. For example, contrasting colors or blurred elements can help direct focus towards the main subject while adding layers to the visual storytelling.
• Discuss how manipulating depth of field affects how viewers perceive background elements in film.
  • Manipulating depth of field allows filmmakers to control which parts of a scene are in focus and which are not, thereby shaping audience perception of the background. A shallow depth of field blurs out the background, creating intimacy with the subject and minimizing distractions. In contrast, a deep focus keeps both foreground and background sharp, allowing viewers to engage with multiple layers of storytelling simultaneously. This technique plays a critical role in how narratives unfold visually.
• Evaluate the importance of backgrounds in conveying thematic elements within cinematic storytelling.
  • Backgrounds play a vital role in conveying thematic elements by adding layers of meaning beyond dialogue. They can symbolize emotional states or represent social contexts that inform character motivations. For instance, a bleak urban landscape may reflect a character's inner turmoil, while vibrant nature scenes can signify hope or renewal. By carefully designing backgrounds, filmmakers can enrich their narratives and invite audiences to draw deeper connections between visual elements and overarching themes.

Related terms

Depth of Field:

The range of distance within a shot that appears acceptably sharp, influencing how much of the background is in focus or blurred.

Composition: The arrangement of visual elements within a frame, including foreground, subject, and background, to create a balanced and engaging image.

Framing:

The technique of using elements within the scene to create a 'frame' around the subject, which can include background elements to enhance storytelling.