Eisenstein’s Use of Montage and Shot Essay Example

cradling her fallen son is a powerful one; one woman defying an army. The soldiers’ shadows falling across her and the line of rifles themselves create a sense of her being caged, and of doom. This shows the horror of the event that is unfolding and the violence of the soldiers. Long shots of panicked civilians running and collapsing contribute to the chaos and show the vastness of the steps and the enormity of the situation. The wheels of the pram teetering on the step create an agonised horror in the viewer, engaging the viewer fully in the situation.

Eisenstein effectively utilizes a variety of camera angles to communicate dramatic effect. Shots looking down on the distressed crowd help to convey the chaos of the unfolding event. When the camera is overhead angled down on rolling pram, the viewer feels helpless, as if it is already too late. Many neutral, flat camera angles are used so as not to distort the viewer’s opinion and to make them feel as if they are at the character’s own height, making the scene more real and dramatic.In the shot of the young man with glasses, clutching his sword, clenching his teeth and swinging the sword downwards, the camera is angled up from below.

This makes the man seem more imposing and powerful, engaging the viewer. Ultimately, Eisenstein uses a number of filmic techniques to create dramatic effect in his Odessa Steps scene, including different camera angles and positions, well framed shots and a subtle and natural editing technique that magnifies the conflict in the narrative. These techniques combine to connect with the viewer and express Eisenstein’s views and desired

effects in a very well constructed sequence.