Another+Earth

//Another Earth// The wide shot and low angle is used extensively in //Another Earth// for different purposes. Here, the wide shot establishes the view of the spectacle in the sky-the titular "Another Earth"-through an opening of branches. The low angle of the camera, combined with the smart placing of this shot (so that the second earth is framed through an opening in the trees) helps amplify the presence and significance of the second earth, and psychologically creates an aura of power and impact of this planet in the viewer's mind. // Wow! Well said! -dg //
 * Director:** Mike Cahill
 * Scene:** Taking a stroll.
 * 1) Wide shot, from low angle**

// Edit: Worm's Eye, not Worm Hole. Although, 'worm hole' as a phenomenon in space, is strangely appropriate for this film. // This shot could be identified as an American shot: where the actress is shown from the knees up. The size of the actress in the frame isn't particularly large, and thus the American shot cannot offer the same intimacy a medium or a close up offers. However, it is not as wide as the wide/establishing shot, so viewers still do get some sort of intimacy with the character. In other words, viewers get to be placed at a comfortable distance from the on screen character, but can still see the background and settings clearly. The application of the rule of thirds can also be identified in this shot; the actress is placed at the right corner, while the left corner is "empty". This, together with the low angle, establishes that the character is looking up at something in the sky, something off screen. The low angle could also used to express the power or energy the character might feel at this moment, further emphasized by the back-lighting from the sun.
 * 2) American shot, from low angle** **(worm's eye ).**

The use of practical lighting in the shot above is also worth mentioning. This entire scene utilizes natural lighting-from the sun-to establish a warm, mellow tone. The actress was placed behind the sun, creating a brilliant, halo-like aura around her head. The use of practical lighting in this scene may suggest the kind, and saintly quality of this character. Or it could mirror her joyful, brilliant feelings.
 * 3) Lighting**

I personally think that this was the master shot of this scene, since the setting, protagonist, and the sky is all clearly shown. This wide shot clearly establishes the location, possible time of day, character, and subject of interest. The rule of thirds also seems to apply in this shot; the character is located in the bottom right corner, while the second earth is located in the upper right corner. Despite how far the camera is from the character and how small the character looks on screen, she happens to be the only character in this shot; this makes her seem "big" and significant. Also, the placing of this shot symbolizes that the character is in some way related to this second earth, as both are prominently featured in this shot. This powerful shot establishes the powerful presence of the second earth. This wide American (because the actress is shown from the knees up) shot shows the second earth looming over the main character. Despite the proximity, size, and presence of the second earth, the main character does not seem to be intimidated by it. This is because she is filmed from the knees up, making her seem bigger on screen than she would in a normal wide shot. This way, she seems closer to the second earth, and this indicates that she feels connected to the second earth.
 * 4) Wide/Establishing shot**
 * 5)Wide/American, from a lower-than-eye-level angle.**

The color saturation is also worth noting in this shot. All other shots in this scene is lit by natural lighting, hence they are relatively high-key and does not offer too much contrast in terms of color. This is the only shot in this scene where the colors contrast so richly and deeply. The magnificent blue of the skies, the white clouds, the dark green of the sea, the beige sweater, and the character's wavy blond hair can all be easily identified here. This creates a magical, dreamy feel of awe and wonder, and could mirror the way the character is feeling.
 * 6) Color**

This medium shot shows two things: 1) the object of interest in the character's hands and 2) the facial expression of the character. The closer distance of the camera to the character offers a good look at the actress. In this shot, she appears to be lost in thought while playing with a cube. The low angle gives the character a delicate, vulnerable feeling. The viewers will feel more intimacy with her.
 * 7) Medium shot, from a low angle.**

This close up shot reveals the object in the protagonist's hands-a cube depicting earth and other planets. The close up of the cube with the earth-side facing up serves as an important symbol as it illuminates the protagonist's goal; It shows the character's interest in planets, particularly the second earth, and again emphasizes the significance and importance of the second earth. The cube also foreshadows the protagonist's eventual encounter with the second earth version of herself.
 * 8) Close up, from a high angle.**