USE OF 3 RULES FOR RORSCHACH's OPENING MONOLOGUE

SHOT 1

OVERHEAD 1

SHOT 2

 OVERHEAD 2

 SHOT 3

OVERHEAD 3

 SHOT 4

 OVERHEAD 4

 SHOT 5

 OVERHEAD 5

USE OF RULES WITHIN SHOTS:

The shot sequence used for Rorschach’s opening monologue definitely follows all three rules. 

            With the Rule of thirds we always find Rorschach on the right side of the third in wide shots.  For instance in the first frame he is off to the right while the drain and floating newspaper consume the left third of the shot.  Also in the Close-up of him examining the Comedian’s pin the moon and buildings fill in the upper right third, the pin fills in the lower right third, and Rorschach consumes the left thirds.  The other shots are close-ups so the thirds are consumed by Rorschach’s face.  The rule of thirds is clearly used to establish setting and Rorschach’s features keeping the two in focus.

            For the rule of 180 we find the camera always on Rorschach’s left side or directly in front of his face.  Both over the shoulder shots are over his left shoulder staying on the same side of the 180 degree line.  Then the director utilizes the line itself, by positioning the camera directly behind Rorschach as he looks back at the building and directly in front of him as he looks at the building.  Although this rule was not necessary with the use of close-ups it was seemingly still used with camera constantly positioned on his left.

            The rule of 30 is used in the sense of 30 percent.  The camera remains in the same angle unless after a close up of more than a 30 percent increase.  The camera then goes back to a more than 30 percent decrease when going back to the over the shoulder shots.

            The director was clearly aware of the rule of thirds and 30 in his shot sequence.  He made sure he established the most important elements with the rule of thirds, focusing on the pin, Rorschach’s face and the setting of the location.  The rule of thirty prevented any jumps between his closeups and OTS shots as well.  With the rule of 180 he did follow it, but it could’ve been out of habit since with close-ups he was allowed to break this rule, however with that said it is clear he is an experienced cinematographer and can create clean flowing sequences without jump cuts.