Joel & Ethan Coen - Shot | Reverse Shot

How do you film a conversation? Most likely, you’re going to block the actors, set up the camera, and do shot/reverse shot. But where do you put the camera? What lens do you use? And how do you cut back and forth? Today, I consider the Coen brothers — Joel & Ethan — and see how these choices lend a particular feel to their version of shot/reverse shot.

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This video was co-written with Taylor Ramos. Follow her on:

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Music:
Carter Burwell - Way Out There (Raising Arizona)
Carter Burwell - A Serious Man
Oscar Isaac - Green Green Rocky Road (Inside Llewyn Davis)
Carter Burwell - Little Blackie (True Grit)
Carter Burwell - End Titles (Miller’s Crossing)
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Run Through the Jungle

Interview Clips:

Recommended Reading & Viewing:

Help us caption & translate this video!

[hbomberguy]

It unreasonably annoys me how well-produced these are.

[unluckytourist]

There was an American Cinematographer article on Men In Black. The director, Sonnenfeld, used to be the DP on the Coen Brother's films until Deakins took over and he went away to direct. He spoke specifically about how on Men In Black he insisted on wide lenses for the dialogue scenes, as that is what he and the Coen's had been doing for years, and his DP and the crew would say "but that's only for comedy scenes, this scene isn't funny", but he insisted, because he felt it captured the whole performance. That always stuck with me, and it was something I noticed in his, and their films, from then on out.

[ttayms]

You wouldn’t believe how hyped I was this showed up on my feed today. Thought maybe this guy was making videos again. But alas, just archives of genius.

[jukeboxfandango]

The fact that the sheriff of malibu throwing his cup at Lebowski still cracked me up in this context speaks to it's execution

[NicholasMonks]

That shot/reverse at the end of "No Country" is one of my favorite closing scenes in film history. Great rhythm, and so much communicated in such a short space.

[wizehopt]

Someone give this kid some serious money so we can get these vids more often...

[CriticalEatsJapan]

"Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot..". --Charlie Chaplin

[xaosbob]

I always learn so much from your analyses. Not a cinematographer myself, but I love the magic of the process, and I love the way you break it down and explain it.

[kumuhonuawong]

"I'm sorry, I wasn't listening"
throws mug.
classic.

[stephenlennartz]

We watched 'Fargo' last night for the second time in four days. Tragedy with jaded humor on the edge. So well crafted. We love it!

[zstick]

Awesome, as always. Never stop making these. Some filmmaker out there will have his career made because he was educated by these videos.

[galindoof]

This channel puts a video once every full moon, but when it's done it's pure gold.

Amazing video.

[LandonBalk]

This is practically my favorite YouTube channel, and thank you so much for the subtitles, my deaf girlfriend can also enjoy these videos too.

[Brokenhill]

No Country for Old Men is the movie that made me "get" film.

[rippleguys]

Best episode yet Tony. Really look forward to each episode. Keep 'em coming.

[sirskelletor]

Despite low activity, this is one of the best youtube channels around. Feel free to work at your own pace and keep up the quality work. thanks

[StarshipGoldfish]

You absolute lifesaver. We're storyboarding a cramped scene right now and this is mad helpful.

[LaZodiac]

That scene from Fargo, with the body in the snow and our principle character standing in the middle of it all...it really does look like a painting if you pause it. So great.

[bluesky]

You guys are a pleasure to watch and listen to- simple, clear language, no annoying sound effects/music, no "cool and awesome" spoken, just great presentations

[TylerCloke]

I’ve seen all of these dozens of times and I still come back years later. So much to learn in such short videos. You do an amazing job of capturing the point you are trying to portray through your research and your own great editing. The point is reinforced and explored in the video itself. Meta and helpful.