Cinematography technique · used in 2 films
Placing a key object in clear view where nobody looks at it, then pointing the camera at it at the right moment. You realize it was visible the whole time.
Examples
Alfred Hitchcock · 1976
Arthur hides his latest ransom diamond in the crystal chandelier above his main staircase. Arthur conceals each ransom diamond where everyone can see it. When the camera finally points at it, you feel you should have noticed.
Where to see it: The chandelier. Blanche walks halfway up the staircase and points at the huge diamond hidden in the chandelier.
Oliver Stone · 2016
Snowden smuggles the data out on a microSD card hidden in a Rubik's Cube. A toy that looks harmless passes every checkpoint. The trick works because it sits in plain view and nobody thinks it matters.
Where to see it: The walk out. Snowden carries the Rubik's Cube out of the office with the card inside.
Questions