Eye Level Shots: Creative Examples of Camera Angles & Shots

EYE LEVEL SHOT BASICS

1. Eye level shot meaning

Eye level is somewhat self-descriptive, but there is still some nuance to what eye level means, and how it is actually used in film production.

So let’s break it down.

Let’s take a look at a few scenes and sequences that used eye level shots effectively, and how there are many opportunities for eye level shots.

EYE LEVEL SHOT EXAMPLES

2. Examples of eye level camera angle 

Here you will see scenes that used eye level shots for a specific purpose. Often, directors will use shoulder or hip level angles to slightly empower characters, so an eye level shot is less common than you may think.

In this scene, the filmmakers use a ton of different camera levels and compositions to generate emotions within the viewer.

This scene makes effective use of various angles and shot compositions, and it uses the eye level shot that has great impact.

When Jon Snow realizes Ramsay has his brother on the end of a rope, the filmmakers use this high angle shot to diminish Jon’s power.

Ramsay has the upper hand, and thus the filmmakers use a slightly low camera angle to empower his position within the conflict.

Jon quickly steps down from his horse and into a close up that is somewhere between eye and shoulder level. His eyes are closer to the middle of the frame than his shoulders, so this is an eye level shot.  

Jon’s concern and emotions are very human at this moment, especially when dealing with someone who is so psychologically inhuman.

The filmmakers further empower Ramsay when he removes his bow.

The filmmakers use a slight dutch angle paired with a low angle. This cinematic language empowers, but also informs us that this is a villain.

When you use an eye level shot, you can contrast it with other angles to gain much more of an impact. It doesn’t have to be a battle scene either.

Here we are introduced to the film's protagonist, but there is no external conflict present. In fact, this is where Director Mary Harron reveals Patrick’s internal conflict, but we need to connect with his thoughts.

It seems simple enough, but there are many ways to present a character like this in these introductory moments, so the decision to use eye level is something very much intentional.

Even with the death stare and accompanying narration, we are placed in a situation where we are asked to sympathize and possibly even empathize with the character during a candid and vulnerable moment.

The filmmakers use this a lot in American Psycho, and while they don't hope you'll justify or rationalize Patrick’s behavior, they do want you to understand it on a personal level.

You should always avoid building a "regular shot" because regular filmmaking is boring. Even your eye level shots should have thoughtful application because they are just as powerful as any other shot level. 

EYE LEVEL SHOT EXAMPLES

3. Emotional impact of eye level shots

So which emotions are generated by an eye level shot?

Well, there are many because it’s all dependent on the surrounding imagery and placement within the story.

Generally, eye level shots connect you to the emotions of the character on screen, so whichever emotions they are feeling, hopefully so will you.

You might ask:

Even during moments that are uncomfortable and questionable?

Especially during moments that are uncomfortable and questionable.

WARNING: This next scene has some language and concepts that are not safe for a work environment, but it’s a great scene with true conflict.

I want you to watch and listen very carefully:

How did watching that scene make you feel?

Do you hate the father? Do you feel like Ed Norton's character?

Imagine how you’d feel if the father was framed from a high angle or maybe even a dutch angle. Would you thoughtfully contemplate his words and the impact they have on both his son and society? 

Would you be so influenced by the cinematic language that the complicated circumstances of the scene would be lost?

If your goal is to build a nuanced scene centered around a controversial and uncomfortable topic, is it more mature and effective to use earnest and neutral shot choices rather than hyper-dynamic camera angles?

Do we gain the opportunity to judge less and contemplate more?

All of the characters in American History X are complex and layered, and that, paired with great acting and thoughtful directing, make up the reasons why it's such a revolutionary film.

The filmmakers used the eye level shot in a way that is far from standard. Because the power to bridge gaps begins with seeing each other on an equal plane, at eye level.

Up Next

The Wide Shot: Camera Angles

Now you understand how and when you can use a eye level shot to generate a number of different emotions and connect the viewer to your character with great and earnest impact.

Continue your research by checking out our post on The Wide Shot: Camera Movements Angles to find out how wide shots can be used effectively in your next project.

Up Next: The Wide Shot: Camera Movements Angles →