Extreme close ups are just that…close ups to the extreme! You want to go extreme when the script is going extreme; when you want to emphasize the moment.
That moment is usually due to one of these:
-Pain
-The moment before the decision is made
-Revelation
You also want to make sure this moment is important enough to warrant an extreme close up. If you pull in this close when the main character has a paper cut, things will be a bit weird. But if you pull in this close when the main character is shot, then all is good…well, not your main character who now has a bullet in him.
Like close ups, extreme close ups should also be used sparingly so not to loose their impact.
Objects:
Extreme close ups also have a functional use and this is when you need to see details on an object. Say if the bomb is ticking down, we won’t see those tiny numbers in a wide shot. Even a close up won’t give us the full impact of the numbers ticking down. In a close up we’d see more of the bomb, maybe the wires and the casing. With an extreme close up, all we’d see are the numbers. Nothing to distract us from the fact that our heroes are going to be blown up in 2 seconds! NO!!
The Wrap-Up
And that sums up shots and distance. Here’s a quick overview for the forgetful:
- Wide Shot: Good for establishing shots that open the story or orientates the reader to a new environment.
- Full Shot: Is all about the action and the character’s position in the setting.
- Medium Shot: Good mix of background and characters.
- Medium Close Up: Good mix of background and characters, with more focus on the characters.
- Close Up: Is about the character. Background will often not be shown or shown very minimally. Use sparingly in comics.
- Extreme Close Up: Is all about the emotions. Use sparingly in comics. It’s also for important details on objects.
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