How do you communicate subtle but important actions?
All those moments when you want to establish the themes and tone of the world.
"Come on!"
Today we're going to discuss a commonly
under-discussed type of shot,
and how the Coen Brothers use it
to not only communicate the themes of their films,
but also present critical plot details to the viewer.
The film in question.
"The Big Lebowski."
Our topic.
The Insert Shot.
"Smokey, my friend.
You're entering a world of pain."
An insert shot is an isolated shot
that focuses on a specific detail within a scene.
When you use an insert,
you want the viewer to notice something specific.
Inserts often involve an object
or set of objects
typically from a character's point of view.
You can use an insert
to communicate crucial narrative information.
Like a gun hammer being pulled back.
"That was the sound of my Walther.
Pointed right at your testicles."
There are three things you can focus on
when planning your insert shots.
Composition.
Color.
And Timing.
We're going to use StudioBinder`s production software
to analyze how the crumble insert shot
can be used creatively
to help build a memorable scene.
Before we jump into our shot list example,
make sure to subscribe below
and click the bell icon to stay in the loop.
Let's jump in.
Number one - Composition.
Shot size, shot angle
and camera movement
all play into how the viewer will feel about your insert shots.
How about the opening credit sequence.
It opens with a full shot on a set of bowling pins standing tall.
They immediately switch to a close-up
of an empty scorecard
to represent the state of the plot at this point.
We continue to a shot of a balls returned.
Then to a beautiful tracking shot
on the ball being thrown down the lane.
We conclude the introduction with Donnie.
He rolls.
We cut to an insert of a strike.
"Whoah!"
Compare this insert with this one, later in the film.
This insert foreshadows a foreboding moment for Donnie.
"We got a man down, Dude.
Call the medics, Dude."
The Coen Brothers use inserts intentionally,
as essential tools about the story
and it's characters.
Here is an important scene in the film
where the Dude first learns that Bunny has been kidnapped.
"As you can see, it is a ransom note."
They get the comedic effect,
since the Dude reads this very cliche ransom note rather slowly.
"We have Bunny."
- Written by me who are unable to achieve on a level field of play.
"Gather 1 million dollars...
-Cowards! "... in unmarked nonconsecutive 2`s."
-Weakling! "Await instructions."
-Bums! "No funny stuff."
-Bummer."
But they also get the ominous feeling
of the fireplace in the background.
"This is a bummer, man."
Number two.
Color.
Use the basic principles of color
to draw attention to specific points
within your insert shots.
In this scene,
the Dude is thrown into a limo
owned by the Big Lebowski.
"-Start talking and talk fast you lousy bum.
-We've been frantically trying to reach you, Dude."
We begin in a medium two shot on Brandt
and the Big Lebowski.
The Cohen Brothers push in with a dolly
to build suspense and force us to pay attention.
And then the Cohens move to an insert shot.
We see the red blood
and what is revealed the green nail polish.
In an earlier scene,
we witnessed Bunny painting her toenails green
and that extra detail allows us for the full impact later.
Green being a complementary color to blood
to maximize its contrast.
The color is used not only to draw the eye,
but as a narrative device.
"-The nail polish, Walter.
-Fine, Dude."
These are the details you want to capture
when breaking down a script.
Make a larger statement build theme
and to provide subtext.
The insert shot of the Dude`s intact toes in the bathtub
have much more meaning
when you consider the entire story.
We've gone over composition and color,
but now let's talk about timing.
How long you linger on shots
and how you cut from insert to insert will change its meaning?
In this scene,
we see the Dude driving down the street.
He sketched out by a tail.
He flicks the roach off the window and into his lap.
This insert is a close-up
that stays on screen for about half a second.
Because of that,
the viewer has the same sense of urgency and processing time
as the Dude does in this scene.
Because of the crash,
the Dude discovers a piece of paper in the back seat.
When you introduce your insert shot
and how long you dwell
will have a direct effect over the viewer's interpretation of its importance.
The Cohens use extreme close-ups
to let the viewer process.
We now know that the Dude knows
that this is a piece of homework.
And it belongs to someone named Larry.
"Is this your homework, Larry?"
Thoughtfully plan out your shot lists and storyboards.
To enhance the relationship that each shot
has with one another.
"You see what happens, Larry?
You see what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass?
This is what happens!
You see what happens, Larry?"
Let's recap.
Before you decide to use an insert
consider the composition of the frame
to create context and importance.
The color
to call attention to important narrative details.
And timing.
To determine the ideal moment
to cut to the insert and how long you'll need to linger.
Did you use inserts in one of your recent productions?
"You look like a future pedophile in this picture, number one.
Number two,
it doesn't even have a first name. It just says McLovin."
Did you consider the composition color and timing?
Tell us in the comments below.
StudioBinder does more than script breakdowns and shot lists.
It's an all-in-one production solution
to help you manage crew,
create and send call sheets,
shooting schedules, calendars and more.
So be sure to subscribe to our channel below.
Click the bell icon for notifications
and follow us on our Instagram page.
"- I know that you will.
- Yeah. Well,
the Dude abides."
[Music]