The rule of thirds is one of the most established composition rules. It uses a very basic structure that divides the frame up into 9 boxes by placing 2 lines vertically through the frame, an equal distance apart. Then placing 2 lines horizontally across the frame an equal distance apart. Where these lines meet hotspots are created, hotspots are places in which the eyes hit as they scan the frame. The first and most important hotspot is created in the top left intersection of where the lines meet. This is where the eye first hits as it reads the image on the screen. The second hotspot is created in the top right of the frame, where the next two lines meet. The third hotspot is created in the bottom left corner of the screen, this is because the audience reads the screen like a book and goes from left to right then down a line. The fourth and final hotspot is created in the bottom right corner where the eyes hit next.
This divides the screen up into 9 boxes and 3 parts. All these hotspots have a different meaning and relevance, which the audience reads. As a general rule, the left half of the screen is comfortable space, which the audience reads as positive. In contrast to this, the right half of the screen is read as uncomfortable space, which is read as negative. This is because our eyes are used to going from left to right to read, whereas they are challenged when asked to read from right to left. We make assumptions on who is good or bad based on the side of the screen they enter from; we do all this subconsciously and base our opinions on this. This is why enemies or villains are often introduced from the right, as we read them as bad instantly and it conforms with what we are expecting. The same applies to hero’s or heroines, they usually enter from the left to conform with convention and audience expectations. There is an excellent example of this used in Strangers On A Train (1951) in the opening sequence when we are introduced to both the hero and the villain. This may be used in music videos when trying to introduce a hero or villain to the audience before the heroic (or villainous) action is about to take place.
This divides the screen up into 9 boxes and 3 parts. All these hotspots have a different meaning and relevance, which the audience reads. As a general rule, the left half of the screen is comfortable space, which the audience reads as positive. In contrast to this, the right half of the screen is read as uncomfortable space, which is read as negative. This is because our eyes are used to going from left to right to read, whereas they are challenged when asked to read from right to left. We make assumptions on who is good or bad based on the side of the screen they enter from; we do all this subconsciously and base our opinions on this. This is why enemies or villains are often introduced from the right, as we read them as bad instantly and it conforms with what we are expecting. The same applies to hero’s or heroines, they usually enter from the left to conform with convention and audience expectations. There is an excellent example of this used in Strangers On A Train (1951) in the opening sequence when we are introduced to both the hero and the villain. This may be used in music videos when trying to introduce a hero or villain to the audience before the heroic (or villainous) action is about to take place.
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