Kubrick // One-Point Perspective

Commentator #1:

This little reel is a prime example of how off-putting symmetry can be in motion picture photography. Even in the ones in which there is no immediate danger or horror present. You feel like there’s something wrong in every one of these shots. You can’t put your finger on it, but you know things aren’t quite right. Kubrick was aware of the psychology of symmetry and used it whenever he wanted to put an audience at unease. Which, as you can see, was often.

Commentator #2:

I wouldn’t say it’s symmetrical either, most of them aren’t symmetrical by composition or by set dressing… and the one point perspective is more about leading the eye straight into the centre of the screen, ignoring what is around but straight into it. As you would see it if you were there in person. Takes more of a 3rd person view and draws you into the scene rather than sitting back and ‘viewing’. You don’t watch these films, you live them.

Meta: