Dynamic Images in Video and Film

Another concept in chapter 8 of Sound, Sight & Motion deals with static, moving, and sequential images. When we begin to discuss the two-dimensional field in video and film, it is important to acknowledge the influence of screen forces like graphic mass and magnetic force. The following video is from one of my all-time favorite movies, Cruel Intentions! I will explain how the video demonstrates these concepts after the jump!

As Reese Witherspoon goes up the escalator, the camera switches from her to the top of the stairs. At first, we just see the top of someone's head. For the first few seconds, there is no context until finally Ryan Phillippe fills the screen, giving the audience the context needed to understand the scene. The concept of dynamic images creates anticipation in this scene that is important to the storyline.