The 180 Degree Rule

The 180 degree rule (directors line) is the relationship between the two characters on screen and the camera angle. The picture (left) shows the imaginary line between the two characters called the axis. The camera must be on one side of this line and can be anywhere within the 180 degree angle of this axis. Crossing this line with the camera is called 'jumping the line' and can be done, but only if the camera is still rolling while the line is crossed. If the line is crossed while the shot changes the audience can be easily confused as to where the characters are in relation to their background as their positions change on screen.

The 180 degree rule is used then to show the audience what is happening behind the characters during a section of dialogue without confusing them with complicated shot angle changes.

Director follow the 180 degree rule often and it appears in films, It allows for a style of editing called continuity editing and when done correctly makes films more understandable. The 180 degree rule has also been used to show split personalities in films such as 'The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers'. In This Peter Jackson film, Gollum has a conversation with himself in a cave. The 180 degree rule is used to show his bi-polar personality; good Gollum is seen to be looking left while bad Gollum is always seen looking right. This gives the impression there are two Gollum's having a conversation with each other. The effect is continued mid seen as the camera sweeps from left to right and Gollum is seen shifting his head from right to left.

The 180 degree rule can also be broken to good effect. In Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror, 'The Shining' the rule is broken to create mystery and disorientation in the audience. The two characters on scene are having a conversation when the camera flips to other other side of them, 180 degrees away. This creates confusion in the audience, adding to the tension and suspense of the film. Making it more psychologically entertaining. To the left is a video of this scene, please skip it to 6 mins as the only available clip is far too long.

In an effort to get to grips with the 180 degree rule, I have filmed a short movie demonstrating that i can use it to good effect. In the film above I have used the rule to shoot a conversation, halfway through the conversation the camera switches sides to show that the 180 degree rule can in fact be broken to good effect. This can disorientate the audience as they are viewing a completely different angle of the conversation. I would break the 180 degree rule in psychological thrillers and horrors to confuse the audience.

I have conducted this research into the 180 degree rule as I will be using it in my preliminary and main tasks. It is important i understand the rule correctly so i can use it to good effect.