Tuesday, November 08, 2022

Split Diopter and Mirrors in "The War of the Roses"


Look at this amazing two-shot scene from Danny DeVito's "The War of the Roses" (1989). In terms of craft, there's SO MUCH going on here, but none of it distracts from the characters and the story. The filmmaking craft on display here reinforces the narrative by creating a distinctive tone.

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Notice how the diopter is removed during the shot when Douglas hits the same distance from camera as Turner - choreographed to be removed in sync with his broad movement of hugging and kissing Turner, to make it nearly invisible upon first viewing.






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