Life Lessons : The Power of Shots

Life Lessons Post

Gaya “Olivia” Nam

In the short film, Life Lessons, one of the main reoccurring aspects throughout the video was the unique camera angles, such as bird's eye view, handheld zoom in shots, and more. The shot types were much more artistic compared to different short films that I have watched, giving unique perspectives. In comparison, most films usually stick to regular, medium, close-up shots. However, the movement Martin Scorsese ultimately decides to accentuate sets it apart from other films, which helps contribute to the emphasis on the storyline. An example from the film would be doing a Point of View shot of the painting and not the painter, showing his expression as he paints. Nestor Almendros, the Director of Photography, focuses Paulette looking at a mirror that also displays Dobie talking through the mirror reflection. These types of shots are extremely interesting and unique because it fit the artistic feeling of the film. It also contributed to the visuals and made it visually appealing.


The shooting style that Almendros chose to use during the film, helps motivate and bring out the characters emotions. For example, moving the camera in to focus on Dobie’s expression when he realized Paulette had left him was a quick, rapid movement, and overall a unique choice. It can be distracting, and sometimes shocking to the viewer initially, to do a shot like this because it is so rare that we see films using a method like this. However, it works out well in the end because it emphasizes on Dobie’s reactions to Paulette’s choices, which usually brings out the fact that Dobie desperately needs a muse around to give him motivation and inspiration.

During the ending scene, when Dobie finds his new muse at his gallery opening, there is an iris shot, highlighting the fact that he found a new girl to bring him inspiration. What was great about this was that it represented a full circle. In the beginning, when Paulette walks through the airport, there is an iris shot, and the same goes for the new girl. It shows that Dobie’s life and his painting skills are best when he has someone living with him. Another interesting aspect was the angles and how they vary within style. For example, Almendros decided to zoom in, slowly but closely, to Dobie’s face when Paulette was talking to him during their bedroom scene. It showed his emotions and reactions when she would say something important or voice her opinion.

One part of the filming style that was interesting relating to shot types was that, in the beginning, the shots were much more steady and consistent. Scorsese stuck to medium shots, nothing too shaky. In contrary, after Paulette announced that she was leaving and did not enjoy New York as much as she used to, the only shots that were steady were when Dobie was reacting to what Paulette was saying. When they were in the parking lot and she first mentioned that she wanted to move, it was much more serious, which made the camera steady. We are able to clearly make out that he is concerned and upset. Afterward, especially whenever he is painting, shots are filmed more quickly. The camera follows him putting paint on the brush and quickly applying it to his canvas in a rapid speed. Towards the end of the film, when he finds Paulette’s replacement, everything becomes much more clear and ends with an iris shot of Dobie talking to his new muse. This style of shooting, and how it becomes consistent only when Dobie knows he has somebody to keep him company, highlights his main priorities. It shows that the key component to his lifestyle is having consistency and company. Scorsese is able to show this visually, without being too noticeable.

The aspect of disunity, with the messy shot types and constantly changing camera angles, is what makes up the film, and ultimately is what makes Life Lessons what it is. I have noticed that at the beginning of the film when he is picking up Paulette at the airport and sees her again, the slow-motion shot of her walking out is one of the few steady, consistent shots out of the whole film. When Dobie is struggling to keep Paulette in the city with him, it is mostly messy and fast, hand-held shots. Towards the end, when he has found someone else, it becomes much more steady, like the beginning. The disunity signalizes that his life isn’t truly put together unless he has a young girl to inspire his work.



In conclusion, the thing that stuck out to me the most while watching Life Lessons was the constantly changing camera angles that highlighted the artistic idea of the film, with an artist pulling inspiration from anything he has left in his life, which is his girlfriend, Paulette. Through this idea, Scorsese is able to make the camera shots and angles messier when his life is falling apart after Paulette announces that she is leaving. They become much more steady and consistent when he has a girl to keep him company. It also makes it seem like we are in his apartment, with Dobie, watching in front of our eyes his struggle to keep Paulette around. It’s subtle, yet still helps with pulling together the busy events going on throughout the film.