Symmetry in Cinematography

Denbigh

Fire_and_Ice_Returns

Dragonpol

Here's what I think is a very good example of symmetry, this time from a mere TV series. It's from Season 3 Columbo episode A Friend in Deed (1974) where the double life of eventual killer Deputy Commissioner Mark Halperin (played by Richard Kiley) is skillfully alluded to at the start of the episode, with the help of a wall mirror:



It's also been commented how his forked beard adds a satanic element to this classic scene.

More from The Columbophile blog:

The episode’s greatest triumph is the portrayal of central antagonist, Deputy Commissioner Mark Halperin. When we first meet Halperin he’s cavorting with a scarlet-clad woman and gambling in a vice den. There’s something of the devil in his looks and actions and note the clever use of mirrors, suggestive of a man with dual identities and a shadowy alter ego.

Given that we know Columbo represents all that is good about policing, this magnificent introduction sets the stall out early that Commissioner Halperin is a man we can neither like nor trust. And so it proves in riveting fashion.

https://columbophile.wordpress.com/2018/04/28/episode-review-columbo-a-friend-in-deed/

Torgeirtrap

Just catching up on this thread, and it's an interesting read! I really like the use of symmetry in cinematography. More often than not, it adds to the experience, and sometimes the story – like the Columbo episode A Friend in Deed (1974), which @Dragonpol mentions above. This is a perfect example really, and I have never though about it watching this episode (which is one of the series' best).

I actually have an issue with symmetry in cinematography – or, it's not an issue, but something that bothers me. It's very rare I experience this, but sometimes it feels a bit forced or "flashy". Has anyone felt that when watching a film?

Like a character or an object being framed in a way that it feels staged or almost unnatural in a way? I can't really put my finger on it, but I have experienced it on a few occasions. Can't remember any examples right now though.

ggl007

Fire_and_Ice_Returns

ggl007 wrote: »

Excellent Duck Soup

PropertyOfALady

Torgeirtrap wrote: »

Just catching up on this thread, and it's an interesting read! I really like the use of symmetry in cinematography. More often than not, it adds to the experience, and sometimes the story – like the Columbo episode A Friend in Deed (1974), which @Dragonpol mentions above. This is a perfect example really, and I have never though about it watching this episode (which is one of the series' best).

I actually have an issue with symmetry in cinematography – or, it's not an issue, but something that bothers me. It's very rare I experience this, but sometimes it feels a bit forced or "flashy". Has anyone felt that when watching a film?

Like a character or an object being framed in a way that it feels staged or almost unnatural in a way? I can't really put my finger on it, but I have experienced it on a few occasions. Can't remember any examples right now though.

No, I have never thought so

PropertyOfALady

I saw some symmetry in Outlander just now, but I need to figure out how to post a picture.

PropertyOfALady

A Star is Born has some right in the beginning with Lady Gaga in the bathroom.

Torgeirtrap

PropertyOfALady wrote: »

Torgeirtrap wrote: »

Just catching up on this thread, and it's an interesting read! I really like the use of symmetry in cinematography. More often than not, it adds to the experience, and sometimes the story – like the Columbo episode A Friend in Deed (1974), which @Dragonpol mentions above. This is a perfect example really, and I have never though about it watching this episode (which is one of the series' best).

I actually have an issue with symmetry in cinematography – or, it's not an issue, but something that bothers me. It's very rare I experience this, but sometimes it feels a bit forced or "flashy". Has anyone felt that when watching a film?

Like a character or an object being framed in a way that it feels staged or almost unnatural in a way? I can't really put my finger on it, but I have experienced it on a few occasions. Can't remember any examples right now though.

No, I have never thought so

Maybe just me then! :))

PropertyOfALady

Yeah.

ggl007

The Shining:



http://vashivisuals.com/vashi-frames-the-shining/

j_w_pepper

I think this thread needs some revival...not that I can give any infusion right now, but still.

M_Balje

No Time To Die

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2382320/mediaviewer/rm728990465

Black person every side

, The Wall, the statue and Daniel Craig in the middle.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2382320/mediaviewer/rm2314043905

Fire_and_Ice_Returns

The Frightened City

The Big Sleep

ggl007

Dreyer's Ordet (1955): ideal for Christmas. Or for Easter. Or for anytime...

matt_u

My fav shot from the trailer.

dramaticscenesofQOS

I'm surprised no one has posted anything from Blade Runner 2049, it looks very Quantum of Solace-friendly.

What a good post this topic is to have on the forum.

PropertyOfALady

I've always been fascinated by symmetry in movies.

Fire_and_Ice_Returns

dramaticscenesofQOS wrote: »

I'm surprised no one has posted anything from Blade Runner 2049, it looks very Quantum of Solace-friendly.

What a good post this topic is to have on the forum.

I posted some Blade Runner 2049 images above on this page ;)