The Hitchcock Rule

What is the Hitchcock rule? How does it apply to filmmaking? What is one example of when you put a close up of a detail in your film? Why did you choose it?

The Hitchcock rule says that the amount of space the object is taking up should correspond with the importance of that object to the story at that time. This applies to filmmaking when you want to show an environment, a relationship, or detail. An environment or a establishing shot may be needed when the character goes to a new location the audience is unfamiliar with. In this case, an establishing shot is much needed to enhance the story. A medium shot that displays a relationship can be used with the Hitchcock rule because each of the objects in relationship to the other object should have different sizes depending on their importance to the story. A shot showing closeups is the most obvious use of the Hitchcock rule because it can only be used if the small detail is vital to the story. I filmed a closeup of the buffet of food when I made a video about my senior trip with my class. I included this because the delicious food was such an important aspect to our trip as whole. Since this buffet was one of the most memorable, I had to include a closeup of it.