In Yoshimitsu Morita’s Deaths in Tokimeki, we see a variety of cinematic techniques used to help the film give off its cold, ominous, yet funny tone. There is one specific recurring shot in the film of a mysterious cult leader playing pinball with his cronies intently observing. To capture this scene, a wide angle lens was used and the camera was positioned at the head of the pinball machine, leading to the machine appearing massive while simultaneously leading us to feel the power of the leader who is very clearly framed in the center of the shot, even if the lens does make him appear smaller compared to his followers who are much closer to the lens.
There are also many interesting lighting choices used throughout the film, with characters often having much of their faces almost entirely obscured in a very hard shadow. This lighting effect dramatizes the characters’ minimal expressions and lets us feel the mystery and darkness that is not obvious from the acting alone. I also feel like I have to mention the 360 degree tracking shot around a moving car which I had no idea was coming but really amazed me, I have no idea how they made it look that good and smooth.
In Yoshimitsu Morita’s Deaths in Tokimeki, we see a variety of cinematic techniques used to help the film give off its cold, ominous, yet funny tone. There is one specific recurring shot in the film of a mysterious cult leader playing pinball with his cronies intently observing. To capture this scene, a wide angle lens was used and the camera was positioned at the head of the pinball machine, leading to the machine appearing massive while simultaneously leading us to feel the power of the leader who is very clearly framed in the center of the shot, even if the lens does make him appear smaller compared to his followers who are much closer to the lens.
There are also many interesting lighting choices used throughout the film, with characters often having much of their faces almost entirely obscured in a very hard shadow. This lighting effect dramatizes the characters’ minimal expressions and lets us feel the mystery and darkness that is not obvious from the acting alone. I also feel like I have to mention the 360 degree tracking shot around a moving car which I had no idea was coming but really amazed me, I have no idea how they made it look that good and smooth.
