Power of the Angle

   

     The way in which a camera is positioned creates various types of meaning throughout a film. Typically a high angle cast towards a character creates the sense that he or she should appear weak, while a low angle creates a powerful, dominant character.  In an article by Film Forever film critic Alex Barrett explains how certain angles and film techniques play an important role in The Passion of Joan of Arc.
     Barrett points out that the close up shot is one of the most important aspects of the film.  It creates drama and also shows the emotion of Falconetti. The close ups establish a specific sense of space during the film to illustrate the placement of characters within scenes.  For example, when the priest places the wafer in Joan's mouth, his hand enters from her left, showing that he is next to her. In addition, Barrett writes about the lack of direct eye contact made throughout the film. When Joan looks in one direction during a shot, another character may be responding to her in the next shot, but looking in the opposite direction. This illustrates the concept of the Kuleshov effect.  Although the characters may not be looking directly at each other, their emotions in every rotating shot create a story for the viewer.