What are the rules of filmmaking?

[Claude Isbell]

I refer you to the DOGME 95 Vow of Chastity.

They told me it was CELEBICY!

 

[zoostory]

My personal definition of "The Line" is specifically the eyeline between any two characters...

That is the eyeline... not "the line." You're analysis is just wrong. Eyeline manuvers, glances, etc, can be cheated to help people understand where they are in space and aid in line crosses... but... that's not "the line." Technically, "the line" doesn't even need actors to be established or crossed. You could take the classic example of a car driving down a dirt road. If you shoot the car coming at you from a 45 degree angle, then shoot a reverse on the same side of the line of the car driving away, and edit those two together, then it will looks seamlessly like a car coming and going. But, if you shoot the car coming at you at that same 45 degree angle, then flip around to the other side of the line to film it going, it will look like a jump cut and two different cars, going in opposite directions, on the same road.

Also, by your logic, an actor has to be looking a certain way. Not always true. Actors can turn away, glance in different directions, duck down, etc. It's where the camera is IN RELATION to the subjects that is the key. If you cross the imaginary line between point A and point B, wether that be two actors facing each other, or the beginning point of a car and the ending point of a car, then you have crossed "the line."

Which 24 does all the time.

What you are talking about with eyeline is just one of many "tricks" to make crossing the line acceptable. In this day and age, the "rules" of crossing the line (not like there are really any rules in art) are becomming more lax. Generally speaking, if a space is established, and the edit works for you, the filmmaker, then go for it!

 

[Lake Films]

Bring extra batteries....

 

[ericyoung]

That is the eyeline... not "the line." You're analysis is just wrong. Eyeline manuvers, glances, etc, can be cheated to help people understand where they are in space and aid in line crosses... but... that's not "the line." Technically, "the line" doesn't even need actors to be established or crossed. You could take the classic example of a car driving down a dirt road. If you shoot the car coming at you from a 45 degree angle, then shoot a reverse on the same side of the line of the car driving away, and edit those two together, then it will looks seamlessly like a car coming and going. But, if you shoot the car coming at you at that same 45 degree angle, then flip around to the other side of the line to film it going, it will look like a jump cut and two different cars, going in opposite directions, on the same road....

Dang it! OK agreed. Actually you are entirely right and I was wrong, and stand corrected! Sorry to misinform.

...What you are talking about with eyeline is just one of many "tricks" to make crossing the line acceptable...

Yeah, but it's a really good "trick".

 

[jamestmather]

I imagine your definition of "the line" depends on whether you're hanging out with robert downey jr. or not.

 

[imageonepictures]

I would say tell a good story!