Dutch angle shot definition
A Dutch angle, also known as "tilted angle" or "canted angle shot", is a technique when a camera is tilted on the roll axis. Visually, it looks like a tilted horizon, or as if a viewer cocks their head.
There are lots of different camera angles in a film, used by a director or cameramen to instill certain emotions. A Dutch tilt creates a feeling of uneasiness, presentiment, the viewer understands that something is going wrong with the character.
What is "Dutch" etymology and history
Funny enough, this canted frame has nothing to do with the Netherlands. This notion was born in Germany in the 1920s by expressionists. Cinema pioneers were looking for new ways to emphasize the action and express the subtext without words, and discovered a tilted angle. Actually, the first etymology theory says that "Dutch" is the misspelled "Deutsch" and corresponds with the phenomena’s origin.
Another version is a bit more interesting. The adjective "Dutch" is used in English with a slightly pejorative hue (as a consequence of historical events and wars). If something is "Dutch", it’s oblique, wrong, funny, or misshapen. For example, "Dutch courage" means that someone is brave only when being drunk, and "double Dutch" means some nonsense, mumbling, or gibberish. So, "Dutch angle" may well be just a "tilted" angle.
Canted angle examples
Some directors are especially known for their frequent usage of Dutch angle zooms.
First of all, we should start with Alfred Hitchcock and his famous suspense movies. If we refer to more modern filmmakers, it will definitely be Quentin Tarantino. He is even said to overuse this technique.
As this angle is usually used to create suspense, you can often come across it in action movies, detective stories, horrors, and dramas. On the other hand, directors are unlikely to use a Dutch tilt in comedies, biopics, documentaries, or costume dramas.
Why "go Dutch"
This effect works so well because unconsciously we self-associate with the character and action of the screen. If the angle of view is unnatural, we feel discomfort, as if the ground grumbles under our feet.
On the other hand, when overused, this effect makes a film too avant-garde and niche, so a director should shoot at a canted angle cautiously, only when needed.
Hints and tips
- Tilt degree matters. A 5° creates just a slight uneasiness, while 90° cant makes the whole frame phantasmagoric and unrealistic.
- Depth of field may also influence a perception greatly. Shallow DoF puts focus on the character, their feelings, and the whole situation.
- Camera level shifts the viewers’ attention and also implies some additional message. For example, an eye level makes us sympathize with the character, and the lower level makes us feel some menace, seeing the character as a threat.
- While an oblique shot is applied while shooting, it doesn’t mean you can’t imitate it during post-production editing. For example, with Clideo’s all-in-one video editor you can rotate your image and achieve a Dutch angle without costly equipment, professional software, or filmmaking crew.
Here is another great cinematic technique, try it out and find your own style!
