Finding Visual Techniques - Life is Beautiful

key words/focus:
camera angle (low, high, eye-level), vectors, lighting, composition


(4:20) How are camera angles used when Joshua says 'Thank you' (not in German)? Which angles are used to view each of the characters? What does each of these angle signify?

High angle for Joshua and low angle for the German. The low angle makes the person seem taller and more powerful while a high angle makes the person seem small and insignificant.


(4:45) What shot distance and angle is used to show Guido's concern for Joshua when the German waiter leaves the room? Describe the composition)

Eye-level angle, medium shot. This allows for people to see how he feels through his facial expressions and also his body language. He is tense as he fears for his son's life.


(4:46) How is shot of Guido contrasted to the shot of the German waiter walking away to tell someone what has just happened? Describe the composition and compare it to the previous shot of a concerned Guido.

The German is the focal point, there are horizontal and vertical lines that make the place seem geometrical. Guido's shot is asymmetrical. It shows the difference between the Nazi's (tough, order) and those that fear them (weak, disorderly).


(5:02-05) How is the shot of the German's contrasted to that of Guido teaching the children to say 'Thank You'?


Guido teaching the children is at a high angle and the Germans are at a low level. The Germans are stiff and rigid while Guido is portraying emotion.

HW: How are visual techniques utilised to evoke empathy from the audience and clearly delineate (indicate) who are the heros, villains, and victims in this scene?


Joshua looks cute and he feel sorry for him as his innocence and ignorance is made obvious.