What is Cinematic Subjectivity
Cinematic subjectivity refers to the powerful range of film techniques used to immerse viewers in a character’s personal experience. Rather than presenting events through a purely detached lens, filmmakers rely on subjective filmmaking methods to let audiences see, hear, and even feel the world from a character’s unique perspective. This practice transforms ordinary scenes into vivid, emotional journeys, forging a strong connection between viewers and the characters on screen.
The use of cinematic subjectivity distinguishes a film by shifting its point of view in film beyond simple observation. By blending narrative structure with visual storytelling, directors carefully choose when and how to place viewers inside a character’s mind or emotional state. Understanding this concept offers not only deeper appreciation for innovative filmmaking but also insight into how film perspective shapes our perception of stories.
Techniques for Subjective Storytelling
Point of view in film is one of the most direct ways to create subjectivity. Filmmakers may employ POV shots, where the camera adopts the literal viewpoint of a character, drawing audiences into their emotional or physical experiences. Equally effective is subjective camera work, which could include handheld camera movement, close-ups that capture minute facial expressions, or visual distortions to echo inner turmoil or excitement.
Sound design and editing choices also play crucial roles in subjective filmmaking. By blending external noises with a character’s imagined or internal sounds, and using rapid cuts or dreamlike sequences, directors mimic human cognition and perception. These techniques allow the audience to experience fragmented memories, internal monologues, or heightened senses, all of which contribute to a more personal film perspective.
Why Filmmakers Use Subjectivity
The integration of subjective techniques enhances audience empathy and connection to the story. When a director selectively guides the viewer’s experience using point of view in film, each shot and sound can reflect a character’s thoughts or struggles. This approach is seen in movies like Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, which uses swirling visuals and dramatic camera angles to signal anxiety within the protagonist, making internal conflict visible to the audience.
Crafting the right balance between subjective and objective filmmaking is essential. A film relying solely on the character’s internal world risks confusing viewers or alienating those seeking clarity in the plot. However, when used thoughtfully, subjective filmmaking can transform a scene and deepen the story’s emotional resonance. Directors often switch between different film perspectives, offering both immersive and neutral viewpoints for a dynamic cinematic experience.
Notable Examples in Subjective Filmmaking
Iconic films frequently stand out because of their commitment to strong subjective techniques. Movies like Gaspar Noé’s Enter the Void employ nearly continuous first-person perspectives, blurring boundaries between viewer and character. Meanwhile, Black Swan, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Lady Bird use inventive editing, evocative soundscapes, and surreal visual effects to represent psychological tension or joy.
These distinctive choices allow the audience to step directly into a protagonist’s world. Color grading and experimental camera lenses often heighten the sense of immersion, turning everyday moments into profound journeys. Such approaches show how exploring subjectivity versus objectivity in filmmaking can shape not only the final film but also how viewers interpret and empathize with its characters.
Exploring the Range of Film Perspectives
Contemporary filmmakers often merge objective shots with subjective nuances, creating a complex blend of realism and personal experience. Strategic shifts between external observation and first-person immersion enable stories to unfold with authenticity while also highlighting individual struggles or emotional turning points. Point of view in film and related techniques are no longer reserved for experimental projects; they have become fundamental parts of cinematic storytelling.
By analyzing films through the lens of cinematic subjectivity, viewers can better understand how various film techniques and storytelling choices affect their emotional response. Studying these approaches enriches the viewing experience and offers insight into how directors use subjective and objective filmmaking practices for maximum effect.
Glossary
Cinematic Subjectivity: Filmmaking techniques that immerse viewers within a character’s viewpoint, emotions, or thoughts
Point of View in Film: Shots and sequences that adopt the visual perspective of a character
Subjective Filmmaking: Methods aimed at expressing a character’s inner reality, such as camera or editing choices
Film Techniques: Technical and artistic methods used to tell stories, including camera angles, lighting, editing, and sound
Film Perspective: The narrative viewpoint or angle from which a movie presents its story
