Aspect Ratios: The Meaning of the Frame (a video essay)

Not that YouTube needs another film critic video essayist, but HERE I AM! For my first video I’ve decided to tackle the rough-and-tumble world of ASPECT RATIOS. Exciting, right?

I start with a little history lesson, then I move to the effects the aspect ratio can have on a story with some pointed examples. Most notably, I contrast Son of Saul (2015), shot in 1.37:1, with Blade Runner (1982), shot in 2.40:1. Then I talk about movies that play around with the “rules” of aspect ratios, both successfully and unsuccessfully, before wrapping things up.

I plan on making this the first of many video essays. I’ve already learned a lot from making this first one, and I’ve got ideas about how to improve for the next one. But overall, I think this turned out pretty well. Please let me know what worked for you, and where you think I could improve. If you liked the video, please share it with someone you think might enjoy it. Thank you!

A higher quality version of this video is available on Vimeo.