The medium long shot, a staple in filmmaking, is a go-to framing choice for capturing characters from the waist up, allowing filmmakers to balance the focus between the subject and their environment. This shot is versatile enough to convey the loneliness of a character in a vast, empty space or to capture the dynamic energy of a conversation among friends. Whether you're filming an intense fight scene, a revealing dialogue, or even a point-of-view moment, the medium long shot provides the perfect balance between close-up intimacy and wide-angle context.
Filmmaker Jesse Bettis aptly describes it as a "utility shot," suggesting that an entire film could be shot using only the medium long shot and still tell a complete story. Over time, this shot has been known by various names, including the medium full shot, medium wide shot, and the three-fourths shot—so named for its ability to frame roughly three-quarters of an actor's body. In the 1950s, as Westerns popularized this shot to frame their iconic gunfighters, it gained the nickname "cowboy shot" or "American shot." Regardless of what you call it, the medium long shot is an invaluable tool for any filmmaker’s shot list.
Examples of medium long shots are abundant in cinematic history. A classic moment from the 1990s is the famous scene in James Cameron’s Titanic where Jack and Rose stand at the bow of the ship. After a close-up of their fingers intertwining, the camera cuts to a medium long shot, perfectly framing the couple with the sky and ship in the background while still capturing their facial expressions and clasped hands. In Promising Young Woman, director Emerald Fennell introduces the protagonist, Cassie, seemingly vulnerable and small on a bench in a bar through a medium long shot, only to later reveal her control over the situation. Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York uses this shot in its opening fight scene, showing the menacing body language of opposing gangs while also leaving room for the crowds behind them.
Shooting a medium long shot is straightforward yet effective. Begin by framing your subject from the lower waist to the top of their head, ensuring they are in sharp focus. Whether using a tripod or creating a tracking shot, keep the camera steady to maintain the shot's composition and focus. When planning your medium long shots, consider the message you want to convey. For instance, shooting from a slightly lower angle can give your character an air of authority, while a high angle can suggest vulnerability. The choice of lens also plays a crucial role; a wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing a well-dressed set, while a long lens is perfect for compressing the background in expansive settings like a desert.
For a more claustrophobic feel, as seen in thrillers like Uncut Gems, use a long lens to shoot interior scenes, intensifying the sense of entrapment. While the medium long shot may not offer the sweeping scope of an establishing shot or the intimate detail of a close-up, it is an essential tool in any filmmaker's arsenal, bringing depth and balance to a wide range of scenes.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
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