Just wanted to throw a couple ideas out here.
First, Morris’ use of Dutch angle shots was mentioned in class. We discussed their technicality and meaning, but not the main purpose. I believe that Morris included so many Dutch angle shots and extreme close-ups for the same reason. It prevents you from immediately focusing on what you’re seeing. In the case of Dutch angle shots, Morris is forcing his audience to pay MORE attention to exactly what is in the frame rather than taking it for granted and perhaps overlooking important details. We’re more careful about sorting out exactly what we’re looking at if it’s initially more difficult to comprehend. As for the extreme close-ups, it’s very hard to focus on the speaker’s face when the camera is that close. Therefore, we have to focus on what he is saying instead. Basically, Morris uses Dutch angle shots when he wants us to pay attention to what we’re looking at, and extreme close-ups when he wants us to pay attention to what we’re hearing. I think that’s a pretty cool stylistic parallel.
Never let it be said that Morris doesn’t give us any direction. This is the equivalent of going through his own film with a highlighter.
BELOW: A Dutch angle shot from The Matrix and an extreme close-up from the beginning of Little Miss Sunshine. (What do these shots tell you about what is going on in the film? What kind of effect are they trying to produce in the audience?)
