What is this Blogpost about?
In the captivating realm of cinema, where storytelling unfolds frame by frame, the choice of frame rate is a subtle yet powerful tool that filmmakers use to shape our viewing experience. From the smooth elegance of 24 frames per second (fps) to the hyper-realistic immersion of high frame rates, the speed at which images flicker on the screen can influence our emotional engagement, perception of time, and even our physiological responses. In this blog article, I want to look at these influences and find out what tricks the big filmmakers have in their toolbox, how they influence the viewer’s perception, where these practices come from and what the latest trends are in this field.
About the history of framerates…
Since the dawn of filmmaking, the heartbeat of the industry has been the rhythm of frame rates, shaping the way we perceive motion on the silver screen. Let’s take a journey through time, exploring the fascinating evolution of frame rates from the earliest days of silent films to the high-speed wonders of the present.
Silent Era (Late 19th Century – 1920s): The Birth of Cinema
In the infancy of cinema, frame rates were a variable factor, often determined by the limitations of hand-cranked cameras. Early silent films typically operated at an average of 16 to 18 frames per second (fps). The fluctuating speeds contributed to the charmingly erratic motion characteristic of this era.
Standardization (1920s – 1930s): The Rise of 24 fps
With the advent of synchronized sound in the late 1920s, the film industry sought a standardized frame rate for a seamless audio-visual experience. The iconic 24 frames per second (fps) emerged as the industry standard during this period, providing a balance between visual fluidity and synchronization with sound.
Slow Motion and Experimentation (1930s – 1950s): Playing with Time
Filmmakers began experimenting with slow-motion effects during this era, manipulating frame rates to create dramatic visuals. Directors like Akira Kurosawa and Orson Welles employed variable frame rates to enhance storytelling, marking a shift towards more intentional use of frame rate as a creative tool.
New Wave and High-Speed Cinematography (1960s – 1980s): Pushing Boundaries
As filmmakers embraced artistic freedom, the 1960s and 1970s witnessed experimentation with higher frame rates. Innovations like „Showscan“ attempted frame rates as high as 60 fps, pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. However, these experiments were largely confined to specialized formats and did not become mainstream.
Digital Revolution (1990s – 2000s): Frame Rates in the Digital Age
The transition from celluloid to digital cinematography brought new possibilities. Digital cameras allowed for flexibility in choosing frame rates, and filmmakers began exploring unconventional speeds. The renowned director Peter Jackson notably used a variable frame rate in „The Hobbit“ trilogy, shooting at 48 fps to achieve hyper-realistic visuals.
High-Speed Filmmaking (2010s – Present): A Need for Speed
In recent years, advancements in camera technology have opened the door to high-speed filmmaking. Directors like Ang Lee, with „Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk“ and „Gemini Man,“ have embraced frame rates as high as 120 fps to deliver an unprecedented level of realism and immersive storytelling.
From the stuttering frames of the silent era to the high-speed wonders of contemporary cinema, the history of frame rates is a testament to the ever-evolving language of filmmaking. As technology continues to advance, who knows what cinematic experiences the future holds with even faster frame rates? The journey of frames in film remains an exciting tale of innovation, creativity, and the constant pursuit of visual storytelling excellence. (cf. Cook& Sklar, 2023)
About the influence of framerates on the viewer…
The Emotional Symphony of Frame Rates:
Frame rates act as the conductor of a cinematic orchestra, orchestrating emotions with precision. A lower frame rate, such as 24 fps, often evokes a classic, cinematic feel. It allows for a certain level of motion blur that contributes to a dreamy, nostalgic ambiance. On the contrary, higher frame rates, like 60 fps or even 120 fps, can deliver an unnervingly lifelike and immersive experience, impacting the emotional resonance of the narrative.
Enhancing Storytelling Dynamics:
Frame rates are not mere technicalities; they are narrative tools wielded by filmmakers to tell their stories in unique ways. The choice of frame rate can alter the perception of time, accentuate tension, or create a dreamlike atmosphere. Directors strategically experiment with frame rates to synchronize the viewer’s emotional experience with the unfolding plot, heightening the overall impact of the story.
Heightening Realism and Intimacy:
Frame rates play a pivotal role in shaping the viewer’s perception of reality within the cinematic realm. A higher frame rate, particularly in the range of 60 fps and beyond, enhances realism by reducing motion blur and providing unprecedented clarity. This heightened visual fidelity can create an intimate and immersive experience, allowing viewers to feel intricately connected to the narrative unfolding on the screen. Whether it’s the subtleties of facial expressions or the fluidity of action sequences, a higher frame rate can bridge the gap between the fictional world and the viewer, intensifying the emotional resonance of the storytelling.
Manipulating Pacing and Rhythm:
The rhythmic cadence of frame rates profoundly influences the pacing and rhythm of a film. A director’s choice to increase or decrease the frame rate can be a deliberate narrative device, impacting the tempo of scenes and overall storytelling dynamics. A slower frame rate, such as in classic films shot at 24 fps, can instill a deliberate and contemplative pace, allowing viewers to savor each moment. Conversely, a higher frame rate can inject energy and urgency, propelling the narrative forward with a sense of immediacy. This manipulation of pacing through frame rates becomes a subtle yet powerful means for filmmakers to guide the emotional journey of the audience, keeping them engaged and invested in the unfolding narrative. (cf. Bordwell&Thompson, 2008)
What´s next?
- More research on the different framerates and their effects.
- Produce content in different framerates and check the effect on a test group.
- Dig deeper in the field of high speed framerates.
- Connect the two topics of aspect ratios and framerates.
Bibliography:
Cook, D. A. and Sklar, . R., (2023, September 18). history of film. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/history-of-the-motion-picture
Brown, B. (2021). Cinematography: Theory and Practice: For Cinematographers and Directors (4th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429353239
Bordwell, D. & Thompson, K. (2008). Film art: An Introduction. McGraw-Hill Humanities, Social Sciences & World Languages. https://archive.org/details/davidbordwellkristenthompsonfilmartanintroductioneighthed.
