Composition Revisited: Symmetry!!

Some time ago, I did a layout class at Sheridan for the second years, pointing out the use of Symmetry and One Point Perspective used by Stanley Kubrick in his films. (Maury White was showing 2001: A Space Odyssey as the Friday film that week and I wanted to drum up some some attendance for it).

Well, look at this!


Kubrick // One-Point Perspective from kogonada on Vimeo.

Mind you, I think this completely ignores the editing rhythms of the original films and hence the reason the shots had the power they did...and Mr. Kogonada should have used a piece of music from a Kubrick film... not what sounds like a recent trailer!

Here's one of  the examples I did for the class; not nearly as slick, but still makes the point I think!

The analysis went along these lines: symmetrical (or nearly so) setup, but then the action within the shot - the rotation of the space station outside the window and its size change - as an element it becomes larger and a more important piece of the composition - diagonal lines of force are created from the center towards the  four quarters of the screen. 

Not to mention those cool readouts on the small screens in the spacecraft cockpit!