The Use of Shots in Film

The use of shots in films are often very significant in the context of films. Film shots set the tone of the film, and add meaning to the scenes in which they are used. There are three main types of film shots: the long shot, the medium shot, and the close up. The final scene of Slumdog Millionaire, the 2008 Academy Award winner for best picture, employs all three of these types of shots. Often times these shots are seen in a progression from the long shot to the close up, and this is the case for Slumdog Millionaire. In this scene, Jamal Malik has just won "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" However, all he cares about is finding Latika--the girl he loves. The director uses a long shot of Latika standing at the train station. This long shot provides a sense of isolation, as if she is the only person around. This is important in the context of the film, because despite everything that is taking place around him, Jamal only cares about Latika. Next the director uses a medium shot of Jamal running up to Latika, followed by a medium shot of Latika waiting for him. These shots provide a transition and allow the viewer to see where Jamal is in relation to Latika. Finally, the director uses a close up of the two as they embrace. The close up shot is used to add emotion to the already emotional scene. We see a close up of Jamal looking into Latika's eyes, allowing the viewer to more closely view his joy. The film ends with a close up shot of the two of them kissing--something the viewer has anticipated for the whole film.