The 180 Degree Rule

Here is a video that has been uploaded on YouTube which explains the 180 degree rule in cinematography. This explains that when filming two characters having a conversation using shot reverse shot matching their eyeline, there is an imaginary axis that must not be crossed unless the audience see it hapening. If this rule is broken, the position of the character's shows them facing the same direction with their eyelines not matching disorientating the audience. Once this line has been crossed, the camera must stay there unless the audience see it crossing back over returning to its original position. Whilst on the correct side of the axis, angles such as over the shoulder, point of view and low angle shots, are the most effective as they capture the characters expressions and reactions to the conversation allowing the audiences to gain an understanding of the narrative.

I put this video on our blog as the visual explanation really helped me understand the purpose and effect of camera positioning as well as knowing the consequence of contradicting the positioning of the characters.

(Alex Christian)