Cinematography technique · used in 3 films

High Frame Rate Cinematography

Shooting at many more frames per second than the usual 24, so motion looks smooth and every detail is sharp. Faces and movement feel very close and present.

Examples

3 films that use it

  1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) poster

    The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

    Peter Jackson · 2012

    The film was shot at 48 frames per second, the first wide release to do so, though most cinemas showed a 24 frame version. Critic Peter Travers wrote that 48 frames with 3D made it look hyper-real. One reading is that the extra detail suits close scenes like Gollum's cave, and some viewers found it too sharp elsewhere.

    Where to see it: Riddles in the Dark: Bilbo finds a ring and plays a riddle game with Gollum in a cave, with his life as the prize.

  2. Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016) poster

    Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

    Ang Lee · 2016

    Lee filmed at 120 frames per second in 3D, 5 times the standard 24. With an image that sharp, the cast could not wear ordinary makeup, so a special silicone makeup was used and the performances had to be real. Faces look startlingly close, though the format divided audiences.

    Where to see it: Stadium reception: The squad arrives at the stadium and fans express their gratitude for what they did in the Iraq War.

  3. Gemini Man (2019) poster

    Gemini Man

    Ang Lee · 2019

    The film was shot at 120 frames per second in 3D on modified ARRI Alexa cameras, which needed far more light than normal filming. The bulky 3D cameras made the street chase hard to shoot. Some critics praised the clear action and others said it looked like a video game.

    Where to see it: Cartagena chase: A motorcycle chase runs through the streets of Cartagena, Colombia, with the hero and the assassin on motorcycles.

Questions

Quick answers

What is high frame rate cinematography in film?
Shooting at many more frames per second than the usual 24, so motion looks smooth and every detail is sharp. Faces and movement feel very close and present.
Which films use high frame rate cinematography?
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016), Gemini Man (2019).
What kind of technique is high frame rate cinematography?
It is a cinematography technique. Related cinematography techniques include Subjective Camera, Deliberate Close-Up Performance.

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