close-up

A close-up is a camera technique in filmmaking where the subject is shown at a close range, often filling the screen. This technique is used to emphasize details, convey emotion, or create a specific atmosphere.1

In cinema, scale refers to the size and placement of objects within the frame, determined by camera position. A close-up, or extreme close-up, presents a restricted view on the largest scale, focusing on a part of a face, an eye, or a hand. This can make a character appear powerful or threatening. Conversely, a long shot shows objects on the smallest scale, making them appear distant or insignificant. The impact of a close-up is often heightened when it follows a long or medium shot, providing a dramatic shift in perspective.2