What is Subjective Point of View in Film?

Different points of view are used in storytelling to share the details of a story from various viewpoints. And they can make a world of difference when it comes to determining how the story is told. The point of view from which the story is delivered will deeply impact the way your film plays out. And has everything to do with how intimate, or distant, the audience can get with your characters. Subjective point of view, or subjective camera, is one method of connecting the audience. With the characters through the shots that are captured. But what is subjective point of view exactly?

What is Subjective Point of View?

The subjective point of view shot, sometimes called subjective camera. Providing insight for the audience as to what the character is seeing. And shares the story through the character’s eyes.

This film angle is used to show what a character is looking at. It’s as if the audience is seeing first person what the character is watching as the scene unfolds. 

Subjective shots are typically established in between a shot of the character looking at something in particular. Then the subjective shot comes in showing exactly what the character is seeing.

And then followed by the reaction shot. Which provides the audience with insight as to what the character feels or thinks. And how they respond to what they just saw.

When is Subjective Point of View Used?

The use of subjective point of view varies in filmmaking. But it is certainly one of the most frequently used shots. In terms of providing a first-person look for the audience.

This POV shot allows the audience to connect deeply with the character and feel how they feel when engaging in the scenes of the narrative as they unfold. 

Subjective point of view shots are often used to accentuate the underlying subjective perspective. Showing a viewpoint from a particular character’s eyes.

Think about the difference in how a scene unfolds based on what each character sees and how it is processed. One character may see things a particular way, another in a different way.

The subjective POV shot generally:

• Shown with a hand-held camera to provide the best perspective.
• Is commonly used in the slasher sub-genre of films, particularly in movies such as Halloween. 
• Is sometimes used to bend the fourth wall allowing characters to look directly into the camera, but they do not speak to the audience as this would be breaking the fourth wall!

Character’s Situation

Use of the subjective point of view or subjective camera show is often a means of providing perspective on a particular situation or scene giving a glimpse into the character’s view of the situation. 

It can be used in a variety of setups to provide an intimate connection between character and audience that helps your audience to relate with your story.