Converging mirrorfocal length

Matrix Education is the leading tutoring college for Year 3 - 12 students. We offer structured tutoring programs for English, Maths, Science, OC/Selective, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and UCAT.

To help us better identify the elements in this scene, let’s take a look at these 2 screengrabs; a midshot and close up shot of Edward Murrow.

Converging mirrorexamples

We won’t be focusing on the final element because it is irrelevant. So, in this scene, Clooney uses harsh, low-key side-lighting.

The direction of light refers to the path where the light source comes from and where it lands. For example, top light or backlighting.

Converging mirroris concave or convex

These different elements work together to guide our attention, create texture or visual impact, and create an atmosphere.

Also, directors can always subvert lighting conventions. So, it is important that you aren’t just simply relying on the general effect to analyse lighting.

We know that learning how to analyse lighting can get quite difficult. So, we broke down the process into easy steps for you to follow!

Now that you know how to analyse lighting, let’s go through it with an example scene from George Clooney’s Good Night and Good Luck.

Converging mirrorand divergingmirror

You can find a more detailed explanation of using T.E.E.L in our post on paragraph structure (this post is part of our series on Essay Writing and shows you the methods Matrix English Students learn to write Band 6 essays in the Matrix Holiday and Term courses).

© Matrix Education and www.matrix.edu.au, 2023. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Matrix Education and www.matrix.edu.au with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

The light shines directly on Murrow’s face to highlight that he is speaking the truth. However, the side-lighting creates very hard shadows that covers a part of Murrow.

Converging mirroris also known as

Converging mirroruses

In this article, we learn the different types of lighting used in films, how to analyse lighting and go through an example of lighting.

Murrow is defending himself from allegations of being a Communist on his live broadcast show. He is attempting to stay truthful and transparent to convince his audience that he is not a Communist.

From this, we can conclude that the combination of these elements creates a mysterious, intense and dramatic atmosphere.

Then, go through the 4 elements of lighting (direction, quality, source and colour) and identify which lighting technique is used. Refer to the above tables to help you with this.

Divergingmirror

To provide a little context, the film is set during the Cold War, where Communists overtaking America was a real threat. The film follows a broadcast journalist’, Edward Murrow’s (played by David Strathairn), search for truth. He questions McCarthy’s unfair trials of ‘Communists’ and ‘Communist sympathisers’.

Many students simply overlook lighting when they are examining films. However, it is an extremely important aspect that not only shapes the mood of the scene but can also be used symbolically. So, let’s learn how to analyse lighting!

Write confidently and ace your English exams with Matrix English Course now. Our expert English teachers will guide you step-by-step through your English content and give you comprehensive feedback to improve your English marks. Learn more about our English Course now.

Convexmirror

The names for different directions of lighting is very self-explanatory. It refers to the location that the light source is placed in relation to the subject.

Remember, not all the elements are significant enough to analyse. So, use your critical thinking skills to select the important elements.

Take a look at this video to see what the human face looks like under different types of lighting. Pay attention to how it makes you feel.