This document defines and describes various cinematography techniques used in the film Forrest Gump, including establishing shots, extreme long shots, long shots, mid shots, medium close ups, over the shoulder shots, close ups, extreme close ups, point of view shots, deep focus, shallow focus, racking focus, zoom shots, low angle shots, high angle shots, Dutch tilts, and level of framing. Each technique is briefly defined in one to two sentences explaining how it is used and its effect.

1. Cinematography applied to
Forrest Gump
By Chloe Abraham

2. Establishing Shot
This shot sets up
a scene’s location
and / or
characters.

3. Extreme Long Shot / Wide Shot
Creates an affect
of vastness.

4. Long Shot
Shows the whole
person or a large
section of the
location.

5. Mid Shot
Most of the figure
is shown in the
shot. It could also
show the location.
It can be side on
or straight on.

6. Medium Close Up
Shows head and
shoulders. This
shot allows us to
be more intimate
with the
character.

7. Over The Shoulder Shot
Allows the viewer
to see a greater
depth of emotion
on the character’s
face while
establishing the
location of each
character.

8. Close Up
Lets us see
emotion and
reactions on a
character’s face
that could be
missed. They
often come after
a wide shot.

9. Extreme Close Up
This shot is very
tight so that only
part of the object
or person can be
seen.

10. Point Of View Shot (POV)
A type of cutaway
that shows what a
character is
seeing, it’s often
part of shot /
reverse shot.

11. Deep Focus
Involves a large
depth of field
where every
plane is in focus.

12. Shallow Focus
A function of a
narrow depth of
field so only one
plane of the
frame is in focus.
It shows us that
one field is more
important than
the others.

13. Racking Focus
Changing the
focus of the lens
to a subject in the
background and
vice versa.

14. Zoom Shot
Occurs when a
filmmaker
changes the focal
length of the lens
in the middle of a
shot.

15. Low Angle Shot
Used to make the
character appear
dominant.

16. High Angle Shot
Used to make the
character appear
vulnerable.

17. Dutch Tilt
The frame is at an
angle. It gives a
sense of unease.

18. Level Of Framing
Refers to the
height at which
the camera is
positioned in a
given shot.