Rule of Thirds
Leading Lines
Symmetry
Depth of Field
Famous Shots in Film
100
What is the Rule of Thirds, and why do filmmakers use it?
A guideline for composition where the frame is divided into thirds, placing subjects along the lines for balance and visual interest
100
What are leading lines in cinematography?
Lines in the composition that guide the viewer’s eye toward a subject or important area.
100
What is symmetry in film composition?
A balanced frame where both sides mirror each other, creating visual harmony.
100
What does “depth of field” mean in film?
The distance between the nearest and farthest objects in focus in a shot.
100
Name this iconic shot or the film it’s from.
The "trunk shot" from Pulp Fiction
200
True or False: The subject should always be placed in the center of the frame.
False. The Rule of Thirds encourages off-center composition for a more dynamic shot.
200
Identify the leading lines in this scene. 
The road lines lead into the distance.
200
Which director, or movie is famous for using symmetry in their shots?
Wes Anderson or The Grand Budapest Hotel
200
What’s the difference between shallow focus and deep focus?
Shallow focus = blurred background, Deep focus = everything in sharp detail.
200
What type of shot is used in Jaws to create suspense as the shark approaches?
The dolly zoom (Vertigo effect)—the background stretches while the subject remains still
300
How does using the Rule of Thirds affect storytelling in a scene?
It creates visual balance, directs the viewer’s attention, and can suggest themes (e.g., isolation when placing a character off to the side).
300
Name a type of leading line found in nature and one found in architecture.
Nature: Rivers, tree branches. Architecture: Hallways, staircases.
300
True or False: Symmetry is only used in peaceful, happy scenes.
False. It can also create unease or tension (e.g., horror movies like The Shining).
300
Which of these images has a shallow depth of field?
The third image
300
What framing technique is used in The Shining to create an eerie effect in the hotel hallways?
Symmetry and leading lines—the hallway’s design makes the scene feel unnerving.
400
Which of these images follows the Rule of Thirds best?
James Bond film still
400
Which of these two shots has stronger leading lines?
You could make an argument for either but second is more clear
400
Identify the symmetrical shot.
The second image
400
Name a filmmaker known for using deep focus in their films.
Orson Welles (Citizen Kane), Akira Kurosawa, or Alfonso Cuarón (Children of Men).
400
Why does The Godfather use low-angle shots on Don Corleone?
To make him look more powerful and intimidating.
500
What is an example of a famous film scene that effectively uses the Rule of Thirds?
The Social Network (Mark Zuckerberg off-center in close-ups), Skyfall (James Bond standing on the left third in the Shanghai fight scene)
500
Name a famous film scene that uses leading lines effectively.
Inception hallway fight scene, The Shining hotel hallway, Mad Max: Fury Road road chase.
500
Name a film that heavily relies on symmetry to create its signature style.
The Grand Budapest Hotel, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner 2049.
500
What effect does a shallow depth of field have on a character’s emotions in a scene?
It isolates the character, focusing attention on their emotions and separating them from the background.
500
What is the framing technique used in Lawrence of Arabia’s famous mirage scene?
Extreme long shot to emphasize isolation and scale.