Deep Focus P.1

How does deep depth of field affect the audiences experience of a film? Why would a filmmaker want to use shallow vs. deep depth of field?

Using a deeper depth of field allows the audience to view the blocking of the characters better. In one scene, more information is able to be captured. Landscape shots are incredibly influential when a deep depth of field is used because it emphasizes the grand mountains and rivers. The details a deep depth of field can capture can be just as beautiful as the bokeh of a shallow depth of field. The decision whether a shot requires a shallow or deep depth of field depends on the position of the important subject matter(s). If the subject is up close and  no other subject in the shot is as important, keeping a shallow depth of field can be effective. However, if there are multiple important subject matters in different distances. a deeper depth of field will be preferable.