Camera Shots

     Because I've been in a Halloween mood lately, I decided to look at the shots in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Although it may not be at the pinnacle of Oscar-winning cinema, it still holds all the basic examples of camera angles and shot progression, as discussed by Professor Ramirez-Berg. The examples I found all occur within one scene, but do not follow the in rapid succession with the long shot, medium shot, close up ordering. However, their purposes are clear regardless.

     As Brad and Janet arrive at the castle and come into contact with two of the Transylvanians, Riff Raff and Magenta, director Jim Sharman gives us a perfect example of a medium shot. It gives us a quick synopsis of the characters in the scene and their relationship to one another. Based on their closeness in the middle of the shot, as well as their style of dress, we know Brad and Janet are one of two alike couples. Riff Raff and Magenta exist as the other couple with their dark clothes and presence in the outside of the shot, circling Brad and Janet. No one is likely to confuse the relationships of these characters, even if their knowledge was based solely on this scene.

     Next we are given a close up as Brad and Janet enter the ballroom and become even more aware of who and what is waiting for them in this strange castle. In this shot, their emotions become quite clear. Viewers may have seen their nervousness in their movements in previous scenes, but with a closer view of their faces, their fear becomes even more apparent. There is no mistaking the stunned looks of terror and worry on their faces. 

     Finally, we are given a long shot from the opposite end of the ballroom into which Brad and Janet have entered. In this shot, the couple is barely visible past all of the Unconventional Conventionalist partygoers. This shot perfectly demonstrates how a long shot can show just how alone characters are in a scene. Brad and Janet might not be alone in the conventional sense of there being no one else in the room, but they are very much alone in that they are utterly out of place and unrelated to the other characters. Even as far away as they are within the shot, their dress and stature make them easy to pick out of the crowd.  This series of shots gives us insight into our characters and quickly shows us that Brad and Janet are in for some trouble on this stormy night.