Cine-speak: The language of Cinema (Week 2)

Louise Lumière may have been the mastermind behind the invention of the motion picture camera also known as the 'Cinematographe’, and he may have created one of the most influential pieces of technology that is still advancing to this date. Though Lumière’s invention has changed the way in which we function in everyday life, he failed to see the opportunity behind this great apparatus, stating,

‘ The cinema is an invention without a future.’

I could not disagree more with Lumière’s statement. Since the breakthrough of the invention of the motion picture in 1895 the cinema industry has expanded and in this expansion it has influenced many ways of life on a global scale.

The motion picture has changed the way we receive information and news, expand on knowledge, express ourselves creatively, make change, and has even affected the way we speak through visual interpretation, otherwise known as Cine-Speak

Cine-Speak is the language of cinema in all forms. Cine-Speak is initially the way in which cinematographers send messages to the audience about the film through the use of shot sizes, positions and sequencing. As a result of this the cinematographer can provide the following answers to the audience about their film:

-Who it involves?

-Where it is?

-What is happening or taking place?

-Why it is happening?

- How it is happening?

-When it is happening?

Though, to answer these questions the right shot has to be placed the right sequence. To answer the question of who the movie is involved with or centered on, a close up of the character in detail would be used. Similarly, for where the action is talking place a long shot at the beginning of the scene would be used by the filmmaker.

In addition through the use shot size, sequence and position the cinematographer can also set a scene and create emphasis and emotion. For example to create emphasis the filmmaker would use a close up on the object or subject they are filming.

Through the art of cinema and its techniques, the possibilities that Lumière never thought possible of cinema have been created and although Louise Lumière may have not seen the potential of cinema, the advancement of technology did and in this event the language of cinema was soon born.