https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUrx7IOBX7g
Here’s a scene from one of my favorite television shows period. Rectify.
I was thinking a lot about depth of field, and searching for clips to illustrate that concept. Bonus, though; This clip also gives us an example of the racked shot technique multiple times within this scene.
Depth of field is best illustrated in this scene from 00:37 to 00:55. With that camera trick employed, we have both the Charlie, the minister, and protagonist, Daniel, in our line of view, both very clear and sharp in the shot. Question: Does depth of field illumnate this scene? Yes, I think so on a deeper level. Staring at Daniel laying down on his cot through that tiny slot in the door, allows me to empathize with him. He looks trapped in that little rectangle. He IS trapped in that rectangle, his jail cell where he is alone in solitary confinment. Charlie, like the audience is on the outsdie peering in.
Watch ahead around 1:10 for the question, “how long has it been since you heard music, Daniel?” Then comes the close up of Daniel, again through the door slot, and as Charlie sets down the tape recorder his hand and the device quickly, but gradually come into focus, while Daniel is thrown out of focus. And then again a few seconds later, Daniel is back in focus but the device is not. This happens one more time around 2:14 as well.
If you haven’t seen Rectify, I highly recommend it. It’s a slow burn kind of drama, but the acticing and storytelling are masterful. I’m looking forward to going back and watching it a second time with a more descerning eye for camera techniques like the ones illustrated in this clip.