Cinematography - Mrs Frisendar

'Obsessed' Fight Scene

Many different angles, positions and movement of the camera are used to make the fight scene of “Obsessed” intense. A high-angle shot is used when the villain strangles the victim and tries to push her off of the banisters. The high-angle allows you to see what the victim can’t - the vast distance from the staircase to the floor. This is conventional to a thriller movie as it makes the audience feel on-edge because it is obvious the victim is at risk of getting hurt. This angle also allows you to see the frightened facial expression of the victim, which makes you feel immediate sympathy for her.
              A close-up is also used on the victim and the villain’s feet. In this shot you see the victims’ feet being lifted from the ground as she is being tilted over the banister. This proves that the victim is losing strength, which consequently makes the audience feel anxious that the victim is going to fall. Anxiety is expected in a thriller film therefore this close-up is conventional.

A mid shot is used when the victim is pushed down the stairs. You see the victim’s face covered with blood and sweat. This mid shot allows you to see the victim’s exhaustion through her facial expression. This shot is conventional to a thriller film as you begin to feel the exhaustion of the victim and wonder if the victim will survive the fight.

A point-of-view/hand-held movement is used when the victim is looking throughout the house for the villain. The fact that the shot is filmed from the victim’s point of view means that the audience is witnessing what the victim is witnessing.  The hand-held movement represents the victim’s anxiety and irratic state of mind. This movement is conventional to a thriller film as it creates suspense and puts you in the mindset of the victim. It leaves the audience feeling anxious and on-edge for the victim - which is something you expect to feel when watching a thriller film.

A lot of panning is also used when the fight is at its climax. The panning movement exaggerates the speed and force of every kick and punch. This is conventional to a thriller as it makes the scene feel very violent and chaotic. Chaos and violence is expected in a thriller film.