~ Shot Reverse Shot ~

Here we are going to discuss shot reverse shot.



        Shot reverse shot, is a technique used in dialogue scenes. Or scenes that require more then one character, and their reactions between each other. It uses the 180 rule and eye line match in one technique. Making sure the camera does not change sides of the angle during filming, also that the characters eye line are matching between dialogue scenes. The 180 rule is used in shot reverse shot, to not confuse the audience of the sense of location or where the characters are or stand between the scene. Shot reverse shot is typically used to show both sides of a conversation situation between two characters or sometimes a group of characters. So the audience will get a more understanding of the both characters reactions and use of words by seeing closely how the two characters react to each other with shot reverse shot.

    Using the technique; shot reversed shot. Usually uses a three camera set up during the scene. There are different shots that are used in a shot reversed shot, they are; a two shot of both characters in a wide or medium shot of them, an over the shoulder shot of the first character and then another over the shoulder shot of the second character. These shots should be used to utilise the technique perfectly.

    This technique is a classic editing style used in Hollywood for years. It gives the film a good pace and continuity during dialogue scenes, making sure two characters or a  group of characters talking are at eye level of each other. 

     The purpose of shot reverse shot is creating pace. Using this technique creates a flowing pace when showing dialogue scenes or a connection between two characters. It creates a good pace so the audience can fully understand both of the characters feelings between the conversation and how they react to one another. Giving the audience the chance to understand the characters by watching how they talk, emotions and react to other characters in a shot reverse shot, which also ties into the purpose storytelling. This technique can also engage the viewers to watch, getting the full insight of the conversation between two characters, engaged by both of the characters responses and to be able to enjoy the film by knowing what two characters feel during a conversation between each other.

      A classic example of the technique; shot reverse shot being used in a film is; Hard eight, released in 1996.  This scene is a standard shot reverse shot, but is effective. The actor; who plays the main character in the film; Philip Baker Hall, looks straight into the camera. Showing the audience the characters good intentions in the conversation. It keeps the audience focused on the interaction by looking straight at them, persuading them to keep watching as the actor is technically looking straight at them through the camera. Also in this scene, it uses mostly over the shoulder shots, and a couple of medium shots of both characters. So the audience feel connected with the two characters, know their relation to each other and their intentions.

 Another example is another classic from 1996; and that is Jerry Maguire. The shot shows the conversation between Jerry and Dorothy while in an airport. The scene uses over the shoulder shots and close ups of each character mostly in this shot reverse shot scene. It show the audience how sceptical and stressful Dorothy is feeling as she is trying to look for her son. While Jerry is trying to talk to her and help, showing the audience how calm and collective Jerry is. Its effective as it make the audience understand how both the characters feel at the time they are having a conversation, showing how both are reacting and feeling different emotions.