Dutch angle

A Dutch angle is a cinematic tactic often used to portray the psychological uneasiness of the subject being filmed. A Dutch angle does not use the X, Y or Z axes, but rather an unconventional diagonal axis from which the camera shoots. Many Dutch Angles are static shots at an obscure angle, but in a moving Dutch angle shot the camera can pivot, pan or track along the director/cinematographer's established diagonal axis for the shot.

Related Topics:
Director - Cinematographer

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The Third Man makes extensive use of Dutch angle shots to emphasize the main character's alienation in a foreign environment. An anecdote of cinema lore alleges that once filming was completed, the crew presented director Carol Reed with a level to ironically encourage him to use more traditional shooting angles.

Related Topics:
The Third Man - Carol Reed

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Dutch Angles were used to great effect in the original TV series of Batman. Each villain had their own angle.

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