Re: Master Shot Usage during a scene

Quick, somebody tell Hitchock and Welles they're doing it all wrong!

:-)

Your "friend" seems more into staying within the rules of what is usually done than in understanding how and why the rule evolved and when it is okay to break it. If the sequencing of shots tell the story most effectively, you have satisfied Rule number One, in my book. Formalism has it's place to be sure, and beginners should try to stick to these rules of thumb until they develop their own eye, but don't let it paint you into a corner.

If the master shot has the reactions and body language you need to see in the reacting character, use it. If the recipient of the monologue and their reaction to it is more important than seeing the speaking actor deliver facing the camera, so be it. You could even cross the (gasp!) line of action, briefly, if the situation demanded it.

Rules are important guides, evolved from lots of experience, and to be deeply considered before you take the step of deliberately breaking them and making a NEW rule.

But you can do it, *if it works*.