Stanley Kubrick: One-Point Perspective

My favorite unit in middle school art class was the one point perspective unit. Drawing was never really my thing and I was never the best at free hand drawing. But I loved drawing one-point perspective images.  We started by drawing a point in the middle of the paper and then used rulers to make sure that everything led to that one point. It was an almost scientific process that made up for my lack of talent with a pencil. I drew city streets, hallways, railroad tracks, and they all looked really good. I was amazed by how such a simple concept could create such striking images.

The Shining is one of my favorite horror films of all time and I am going to admit that I wasn't aware of how much it utilizes one-point perspective until I watched this video. I am going to say that this is a testament do Stanley Kubrick's ability as a filmmaker (and not my lack of knowledge as a film viewer). However, I think the use of this type of shot is part of the reason that I like The Shining so much. It is a relatively simple shot but it does so much for the audience. It's a way to focus the audiences attention on a single point. But it also adds to the plot as a whole. It helps to show the size of the hallways and the rooms in the hotel.

I am now interested in watching more Kubrick films or any other films that utilize this technique.

https://vimeo.com/48425421?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=9933233