Analysing Camera Language in Black Panther

Analysing Camera Language in Back Panther

This is an establishing shot. The denotation of this is that it shows the entire location/ background of a scene. The connotation of this shot is that it sets the scene and informs the viewer where the film is taking place. You can clearly see that there is high technology which tells the reader that it is a futuristic, high tech inspired film. Pathetic fallacy is used as the scene is overall quite dark and there are a lot of clouds which subliminally makes the viewer see the shot as dark and mysterious. 

This shot is a close up. The denotation of this is that the camera only shows the subject’s head and shoulders only. The connotation of this is that you can see that the character in this scene is scared of intimidated by his facial expression. Furthermore, this shot is quite cool-toned and the lighting is quite dark which also makes the viewer feel similar emotions.

This shot is a high angle. The denotation of this angel is the camera is above but also to the side of the subject showing some vertical and horizontal information.This shows off the characters costume which you can immediately see is quite intimidating and looks powerful. Also, this shot is very desaturated and almost black and white which can make the viewer feel like he is hiding under his colours under costume. 

This shot is an over the shoulder. The denotation of this shot is looking over one person’s shoulder looking at another person.  This shot connotes the intensity of their relationship by how far apart they're standing from each other. In this shot you can see the woman is smiling and leaning towards him which informs the viewer the intensity of their relationship is quite intense. Also, you can see the woman costume which seems to be quite futuristic and contemporary. 

This is a canted angle. The denotation of this angle is the camera is turned left or right, so the subject appears at an odd angle, as if they are leaning to one side. This angle connotes abstractness and informality. You can see the mans body language is quite stiff and his costume is quite dark which makes the audience view him in a negative way.

This is a low angle shot. The denotation of this angle is the camera is at below and to the side of subject showing some vertical and horizontal information. This angle connotes secrecy and mystery which could've been used as the character is disguised under his costume (it covers him completely). This scene is quite dark and cool tones which highlights and exaggerates the mysterious vibe this character brings across. 

The camera angle being used is a combination of the rule of third and low angle. The rule of third makes the camera focus on the object and makes it the 'main point'. The low angle is being used to give off a mysterious vibe to the shot. Furthermore, the object is covering some light in the background which highlights this mysterious vibe.

This shot is a mid shot. The denotation of this shot is where the characters head and shoulders are in the shot. It connotes normality and equality. You can see the characters costume fully which is red and gold. These colours could symbolise power and wealth. The background is made of blue and black which compliments the colour of the costume well and makes the character stand out. Her facial expression seems quite normal and bland which could be why this camera angle was used.