In filmmaking, every frame should be a painting—and that means knowing every possible color at your disposal. Sure, there are the standard cinematic tools, like a wide shot or a close-up, but a true artist knows how to blend techniques to create extreme close-ups, full shots, two shots, or our subject today: the medium long shot.
Also referred to as a “medium full” or “three-fourths shot,” the medium long shot frames a character from the knees up. It’s not quite a medium shot, which captures the subject from the waist up; but it’s also not a full shot, when the entire subject is in the frame head-to-toe.
Medium long shots are useful for one or several of the following reasons:
- To capture multiple characters in one frame
- To showcase both character and environment
- To convey emotion through body language
A slight variation, known as the cowboy shot, gained prominence in the 1930s and ’40s with the rise of the Western. Instead of at the knees, the shot of the cowboy starts where an outlaw’s gun holsters typically sit. (Nowadays, the term is mostly just shorthand for the technique; you can use a cowboy shot without any guns in the scene.)
Medium long shot examples
“The Departed” (2006)
In Martin Scorsese’s crime thriller, a tense confrontation between Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) becomes all the more tense with the use of a medium long combined with a two shot. Because the framing is wide enough, both men are visible throughout the encounter, allowing the audience to take in both of their emotions.
While Costigan has a gun pointed, Sullivan’s fear is on full display. There’s no need for a constant cutting back and forth to see their expressions.
“Parasite” (2019)
Medium longs are also useful for keeping a character in the frame while also revealing information about their setting. Bong Joon Ho utilizes this technique in “Parasite,” when Ki Woo (Choi Woo-sik) first enters the Park family’s lavish home. Up until this point, we’ve seen Ki Woo in a claustrophobic apartment; now, he’s going for an interview in a gorgeous, expansive house.
This tracking shot, which makes good use of medium long framing, showcases Ki Woo looking almost bewildered and astounded at how the upper class lives. The audience also gets a good sense of the layout of the home—and if you’ve seen the movie, you know this becomes important later on.
“Reservoir Dogs” (1992)
This medium long shot example from Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs” is all about displaying body language. As Mr. Orange (Tim Roth) prepares to go undercover to infiltrate a criminal gang, the framing allows Roth to display the stiffness and hesitation that’s seeped into the way the character moves. When he hypes himself up in the mirror, there’s a transition from nervousness to confidence that’s only obvious because we saw the way he carried himself before heading out into a world of danger.
The why: First and foremost, a filmmaker must determine what they’re looking to achieve by using a particular angle. Consider the previous examples and think about the intention behind them. Then, drill down into what you’re trying to say with your shot. If the particular benefits of a medium long shot help to draw that out, go for it.
Framing: A traditional three-fourths shot goes from the knees to just above the subject’s head. It’s vital to keep things naturalistic, though, and if it looks better to keep the bottom of the frame slightly off from the subject’s knees, that’s fine.
What Is the Rule of Thirds? How to Use This Technique to Capture Dynamic Images Lens: Generally, it’s a good idea to opt for a 50mm or 85mm lens. You want a medium depth of field so that the subject is in focus while the background is slightly blurred. However, you may need to adjust if you want a greater emphasis on the setting—like if you’re filming in front of a beautiful mountain landscape.
Lighting: Lighting is crucial for helping convey mood and draw attention to certain elements in the frame. For example, when using a medium long shot in a horror film, it may be advantageous to keep certain elements of the background in shadow so viewers search the scene for any looming threats.
Emphasize body language: Both the benefit and the challenge of the medium long for an actor is that nearly their entire body is in the shot. Think about all the ways your physicality can add to the performance. But remember: The camera’s also just close enough to get the details of your face. What do your body and expressions say together? Does your face match your posture; if not, what does that convey to the audience?
Utilize your environment: With a medium long shot, you’re not the only focus point in the frame. Be aware of your space, as well as the way your character fills it. Is your character taking over a room? Trying to shrink into a corner? Talk to your director and cinematographer about the established blocking to find opportunities to use props and scenery. Acting is so often reacting, so respond to what’s around you. If you’re, say, on location in nature and your character would be awed by the majesty of your surroundings, let yourself feel awed instead of tuning it out.
Play off other actors: In the event you’re working with a scene partner, collaborate with them on the best way to convey your relationship to the audience. Are you scared of this person? Do you have a crush on them but don’t want them to know? The way you do things like lean in, give and receive touch, or invade space tells the viewer a lot.