A
key aspect in creating a unique aesthetic in film is to use lines and shapes to
engage with the audience. A prop
or character can move in a specific direction within the frame to create a
virtual track. A cinematographer
can compose their shots to have a motif; the frame can be linear and square or
diagonal to provide an unusual motif.
A filmmaker can even add certain shapes like spheres or cubes to add
dimension to the frame. These are
simple yet malleable techniques to use that allow for filmmakers to make films
of with a potentially limited aesthetic like realistic science fiction look
unique. Even though films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Gravity are of the same genre; they look
and feel drastically different because their directors use these techniques in
unique ways.
When
one must explain how these techniques work it important understand the idea or
motive behind each film. 2001: A Space Odyssey is a
psychedelic art film about the seemingly infinite possibilities of space
travel. Gravity is a thrilling drama about the horrifyingly real risks of
simply orbiting around Earth. Both films rely on special effects but their
creators had to use techniques involving lines, angles, and shapes in order to
make a unique perspective on the frightening yet wondrous unknown of outer
space.
