Subjective Cinema: The Art of Personal Perspective in Film

Cinema is a medium that allows us to experience stories from countless perspectives, often transporting us into the minds of characters and filmmakers. One particularly fascinating approach within the realm of filmmaking is subjective cinema, a technique that immerses the viewer in the subjective experiences, emotions, and perspectives of characters. In this exploration, we dive into the concept of subjective cinema, its historical roots, notable examples, and its impact on storytelling and audience engagement.

At A Glance

What is Subjective Cinema?

Subjective cinema is a narrative technique used in filmmaking to provide audiences with an immersive experience from a character’s point of view. It allows viewers to see and feel the world through the character’s eyes, blurring the lines between the viewer and the protagonist. This technique seeks to evoke empathy, understanding, and a deeper emotional connection between the audience and the character, resulting in a more engaging and visceral cinematic experience.

Historical Roots

The roots of subjective cinema can be traced back to early experimental filmmaking and the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century. Filmmakers like Dziga Vertov, with his groundbreaking film Man with a Movie Camera, experimented with subjective perspectives by using editing and camera techniques to mimic the experiences of the protagonist.

Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense, also played a significant role in popularising subjective cinema. In his film Psycho, Hitchcock famously used a subjective point-of-view shot during the infamous shower scene, effectively placing the audience in the horrifying position of the victim. This technique left a lasting impact on the horror genre and filmmaking as a whole.