Film Shots and Camera Angles - A Walk to Remember

In film, there are three different main shots filmed – the long shot, medium shot, and close up. Each type of shot holds a specific meaning and message. There are also three camera angles – the eye-level angle, high angle, and low angle. To show these aspects of the film language I have taken pictures of shot from the film, A Walk to Remember (2002).

The Long Shot

The long shot is the orientation shot. It shows the object from afar to express the relationship between it and its surroundings and/or situation. It expresses sadness, loneliness, and isolation.

The long shot you see above is from the scene, “Not Going Anywhere,” which takes place after Landon’s dad says he is the wrong type of doctor and cannot help Jamie, Landon’s girlfriend, who has Leukemia. The use of the long shot here, represents how Landon is dealing with Jamie’s situation. He is sad that he cannot help her, he is sad that his dad will not help him to help her, and he is alone. In this shot, Landon is standing in front of open water, without any activity, showing isolation. The high angle takes power away from the subject – it is out of Landon’s power to help Jamie…at least medically.

The Medium Shot

The medium shot is the information shot. It shows information about the relationship between characters, usually who is the most important, the most powerful, or the leader(s)/follower(s). It is the most utilized shot in film.

The medium shot above is from the scene, “Appropriate Punishment,” which is the scene that shows the community service hours Landon has to complete. He is completing janitorial work when his friends walk in and poke fun at Jamie for being such a devout Christian and nerd. This shot shows the power lines between the group: Dean (in the middle) is the leader and Eric (left) and Walter (right) are the followers. Even just the fact that Dean is in the middle and closer to the camera, shows that he is in charge. The slight low angle gives the subject power – in this case the power Dean has over his friends and “victims.”

The Close Up

The close up shot show important details, especially about feelings and emotions.

In this close up from the scene, “Jamie’s Confession,” Jamie confesses to Landon that she has Leukemia and has stopped responding to treatments. After hearing this, Landon seeks help from his dad, who is a cardiologist, but is shot down. His solemn drive home is filmed using the close up shot. This type of shot allows the audience to see his emotional state, one of sadness. The eye-level camera angle allows the audience to identify with Landon and what he is feeling at this point of the film.