Exodus 33:11

CLOSE UPS.

I want to begin my film with a close-up, the first shot that will be seen is a very tight close-up of Luz wiping her tears away after she is done crying. So I decided to do some research on the effects and composition of close-ups. I found this video by Studio Binder that explains really well all composition aspects for close-ups even about camera lenses and how these decisions affect meaning and effect.

The purpose of a close-up is to show emotions and clearly, that is my main effect with the shot I have in mind as teary eyes are shown, symbolizing the character just got done crying about something tragic or sad in her life. The purpose of this shot being the first shot in the entire film is to foreshadow that something negative will happen with Luz as the film progresses as explained through the plot of the film in my blog post Luke 15:7. 

There is one close-up that really inspired me in terms of how close the shot is and the aspect ratio. Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris' Little Miss Sunshine uses a close-up as the first shot in their film. It shows Olive Hoover's eyes behind a pair of glasses. This shot is shot in a 2:40:1 aspect ratio which leaves a wide perspective on the character's eyes. This aspect ratio is the one I chose to use in my film. I want to make it feel like there should be space but there really isn't. In the Studio Binder video, it was explained that wider aspect ratios are meant to leave more background space. Even though I will use a wider aspect ratio, I want Luz's eyes to fill up the screen, to convey that there should be space in the shot, there should be space for peace in Luz's life, but there isn't.

In terms of how much of Luz's face will be shown, it'll only be her eyes, to show her private life IS private, she hides what goes on behind closed doors to even her most appreciated people such as Joshua. But then all of a sudden, when she's outside, her full body is shown. This symbolizes she acts a certain way at home and a different way when she's outside with Joshua or anyone else. Her personality changes according to the situation and who she's with.