If you know the language of film, you can understand what I mean when I say that freeze-frames tell you how to remember the film you have just watched.In pure descriptive terms, it’s a technique that pauses the visual/action to hold on a single (frozen) frame to create the effect of a still photograph. It draws your attention to a specific moment, creates a dramatic (sometimes, even comedic) effect. Its aim is to highlight the mood or emotion of the story and its characters. This frame is also a commentary on the whole narrative and the character involved in it. The narrative coming to a standstill is your clue to take a closer look at the story’s emotional arc.Freeze-frame, as the name suggests, is a way to solidify everything the movie has to offer—its story, characters, theme, emotions, message—into one single image. It ingrains these elements into your memory, like a photograph. It’s not just a fancy cinematic stunt. This is how a filmmaker tells you which feeling you need to take with you.These 11 iconic examples show how this technique is used in movies to convey feelings.11 Iconic Freeze-Frames in Cinema1. Sunset Boulevard (1950)Freeze Frame: Norma Desmond’s close-upWritten by: Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder, D. M. Marshman Jr. | Directed by: Billy Wilder In the climax, the police and reporters flock to Norma Desmond’s (Gloria Swanson) mansion to arrest her for the murder of Joe Gillis (William Holden). Norma descends the grand staircase, having completely lost touch with reality. After...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Today