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.
For educational purposes only. You can donate to support the channel at
Patreon: / everyframeapainting
This video was co-written with Taylor Ramos. Follow her on:
Instagram: / taylor.ramos
Twitter: / glassesattached
And follow me here:
Twitter: / tonyszhou
Facebook: / everyframeap. .
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:
Cinematographer Style: vid.me/L5aW/cinematographer-s...
Recommended Reading & Viewing:
ASC Magazine on Bruno Delbonnel & Inside Llewyn Davis: bit.ly/1OxkCoP
ASC Magazine’s profile of Roger Deakins: bit.ly/1TGUNKV
Roger Deakins forum post on the lenses he uses: bit.ly/1KNKToa
Help us caption & translate this video!
amara.org/v/HuuZ/

[@hbomberguy]

It unreasonably annoys me how well-produced these are.

[@scstepsisters1456]

You're my hero.

[@ZlotyChannel]

I was about to say just the exact same thing.

[@inkblot131]

hbomberguy, are you referring to the Coen's shot, here.., or the KZbinr, shot up there?

[@lionhartd138]

reasonable. totally reasonable

[@theamericanbluebeast2342]

@@inkblot131 The videos mate, the videos.

[@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.

[@OGRE_HATES_NERDS]

also every scene in men in black is at least a little funny

[@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

[@CriticalEatsJapan]

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

[@LuistrAmalgo]

@Paul I guess that a close up that shows you the pain of a character during a tragic moment makes it pretty clear that it is not comedy. While a long-shot doesnt give you that information and therefore is more up to context weather that moment was funny or sad.

[@subscribetopizzatheonlyrea7322]

@Paul perspective It may seem stressfull when you live a situation but looking back at it you laugh at how ridiculous it was

[@PPGZemon]

@@subscribetopizzatheonlyrea7322 this the best answer!

[@solarnaut]

" pain/ tragedy + time = comedy " " Life is Sad AND Beautiful " - Puddles Pity Party " I could laugh or I could cry . . . I'd rather laugh. "

[@fhowland]

That is brilliant.

[@wizehopt]

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

[@bipbong2906]

wizehop lol rip

[@timit1234]

This aged very badly.

[@dragonballZbigBang]

I'm sure he makes 5x more than you already

[@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.

[@karlmarx828]

Me too...

[@VIpown3d]

Same here

[@Devin_Art]

You will see more content from them in the future ;)

[@ttayms]

Exciting news! Thank you for sharing 😁

[@rohithpadikkal7082]

And exactly why did he stop uploading?

[@kumuhonuawong8086]

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

[@alexispapageorgiou72]

Great. Simple, fast effective and of course leads to a reaction from Bridges getting hit center stage with a mug. Aou : )

[@aptonymic3014]

fucking fascist

[@jculver1674]

Don't forget the sound of that mug clanging against the Dude's skull. Makes me laugh and wince at the same time.

[@LIamaLlama554]

@@jculver1674 great foley

[@garyreams8123]

"Oww"!!

[@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.

[@whoisbhauji]

tommy lee was overshadowed by Anton - but such great acting and delivery....

[@stephenlennartz3466]

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!

[@davidci]

You'll definitely love the TV series based on it then! It has tragedy and humor combined together in spades! It's also criminally underrated!

[@harrisongoertz1346]

"Shot reverse shot, two people sitting on a couch."

[@luckygitane]

+Harrison Goertz But THIS is how it's done properly. Rhythm, blocking, editing that complements the performances and meaning of the scene. Take notes, Jorge.

[@JayAims]

+Harrison Goertz sitting on a couch, sitting on a couch, walking in a room, standing in a room.

[@silverwheel]

+Harrison Goertz It's gonna be great.

[@therealjerryseinfeld4321]

It ain't easy bein white...

[@Ugh-Fudge_Bwana]

+Jacob De Paz Yes. Using a technique poorly, like dutch angles in Battlefield Earth, doesn't mean the technique itself is bad.

[@Amo088]

I die a little inside every time one of these videos ends

[@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.

[@LandonBalk]

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

[@zstick]

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

[@AWSOMEPOSSUM16]

+Shrigis Very true. This channel is like a class in a film school.

[@StolenPvP]

they should give credit to zhou if that happens !

[@kesselsol]

literally using these and studying these for some horror animation im going to make.

[@zstick]

As Tony has commented elsewhere, people can do whatever they want with their films, but this is a great exploration into what the greats have done and how it has made their work stand out. Obviously if someone just used these videos as a checklist and included everything from all of them it could be a total disaster. It's just great to see people analyzing these movies (many of them not well-known today) and helping others understand film on another level. I'm not a filmmaker and I never will be, but I am fascinated by the nuts and bolts of it all, which is why I always watch these videos within a couple hours of their release.

[@kesselsol]

Shrigis Im trying to become a film-maker. But I don't think a checklist isnt that bad. Actually was planning one, so I could keep in mind ALL possible ways of doing stuff.

[@Brokenhill42]

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

[@kirklandbond4765]

You probably don't get film, but think that you do.

[@kirklandbond4765]

Just because you understood the ending doesn't mean you all of a sudden know everything about film. How sad how your brain thinks you get film.

[@Brokenhill42]

Your condescension has no power over me. I didn't claim to know everything about film, but OCFOM certainly taught me the variety of ways that film can make a point, not only within the story itself but also as a commentary to society. Even if I didn't get film at all, it still wouldn't be sad. There's many other important things to have knowledge/skills with.

[@kirklandbond4765]

Brokenhill I was not trying to scare you, if thats what you think. And i didn't literally mean you ''know everything about film'' I was pointing out that you can't understand film from one movie. You cleared up your meaning when you said that NCFOM showed you the variety of ways a film can incorporate social commentary. Another example would be The Lego Movie. That movie is riddled with metaphors and social commentary.

[@Brokenhill42]

Sure, when it comes to all forms of art, there is a snowballing of knowledge through experience over time...however, it's very reasonable to make a claim as I did in the beginning, stating that basically NCFOM was my "aha!" film. You're seriously overthinking my original statement. It was a reasonable statement that should have been easily understood by at least the adult American populace.

[@chrismanuel9768]

It emphasizes emotion, no matter what the emotion is. You're not a distant observer. You're there. You're in the conversation. They're talking to you.

[@StarshipGoldfish]

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

[@MarsRisingFilms]

I've had arguments with other filmmakers over long lenses vs. wide lenses. My mantra has always been "wider and closer". Thanks for breaking it down, Tony! I leapt from bed to watch this as soon as my phone told me it was up! Cheers!

[@MrBeiragua]

Is there a video taking a look at "Cohens' death scenes"? The way they kill their characters is very characteristic of them. Shows how they see actions and consequences in their movies.

[@TheSchaef47]

Mosco Monster Yeah like the Llewellyn Moss death scene, oh wait, they killed him off camera

[@OCinneide]

@@TheSchaef47 to be fair he was killed off script in the book

[@johnzajac9849]

As someone else said, every movie should be made by the Coen brothers.

[@codeecrottz]

Stopping everything I'm doing to watch this

[@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

[@bluesky6449]

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.

[@galindoof]

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

[@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.

[@matttennis]

OH MY GOD, GOD BLESS YOU, TONY! I HAVE WAITED FOR THIS GLORIOUS MOMENT, AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING A COEN BROTHERS VIDEO. I LOVE YOUR WORK, AND I WILL SHARE THIS VIDEO EVERYWHERE I GO. YOU ARE WONDERFUL!

[@domainofscience]

Argh you guys are so good!!

[@Discord67]

Your videos have given me a new outlook on film, thanks for making them, your the best.

[@joe8158]

Ib

[@keshavpoddar2152]

+Discord67 I second this

[@howtobeanoob278]

What's a "the best" and what about his "the best"?

[@lyricsfromsweden]

that Jaylib picture just made your comment even better

[@louisgardner5580]

you're

[@guoalber]

Written by - Taylor Ramos and Tony Zhou Interesting that Taylor is listed first. Wondering if she was the primary author for the script and if that means there's two people's ideas going into the channel now (meaning more videos?! That would be exciting.) Loved the video as always, Tony! Thanks for making such great content and making it available for free.

[@everyframeapainting]

+Albert Guo Her name comes first alphabetically (both first and last names) and it's a collaboration. She also consults on every video but only takes credit when she feels like it, so clearly, she's nuts.

[@mrkillerjake12]

+Every Frame a Painting Love your videos man. I can't get enough of them. I've learned a lot from you, Thank you.

[@JohnGottschalk]

+Crystalline Quality over Quantity, You want quantity, the quality will invariably dip.

[@RalphLindsen]

+John Gottschalk John, we meet again! (our tradition of running into each other in yt comments continues). Anyway, on topic, not per se. But it depends on Tony (and Taylor) on what they are doing besides the video's. Maybe they don't have time to do more because of their dayjob or something, but there is plenty inspiration and loads of topics they still want to talk about.

[@arthurkurbedzis]

simplicity and elegance that is how I may describe shooting by Coens.

[@dmfToonsTunes]

Absolutely love these film studies. I learn something new every time, and watch a few of them over and over. Truly inspiring. Keep up the brilliant work!!

[@egodrive]

I think the absence of music also makes a difference. In these shot | reverse shots they don't use music that sounds tense or emotional. They just let the faces do the talking.

[@golu_badbola]

You make my movie watching experience more delightful as I ponder on these details that you research & share with us. Thanks, Tony for these awesome videos.

[@stepheneldredge7366]

Every time I watch one of your essays, I notice at least 3 new details you're talking about in - a new way. I tell my students that film is about "re-viewing", and with your help, they now believe me. Thank you so much for seeing so well, and communicating what you see so brilliantly!

[@rippleguys]

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

[@sof4183]

+Ripple Training thought it really was the least interesting or insightful one, it also isnt exactly an episode x]

[@vincentknight27]

That was great! Tony, this might be your best video essay so far. And yes I've seen all the other great videos on this channel. I'm sure as hell a big admirer of Ethan & Joel Coen, and Roger Deakins that is. But I'm also a big admirer of YOU, man! Glad you're back.

[@JoshJackson]

It's always a good day when Tony uploads a video :D

[@Boffin-TV]

+Josh Jackson A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of fluff and talentless hacks, when the age of film comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we watch!

[@Mecha_Hitler]

Your day is now ruined

[@halihandro]

These videos bring me so much joy. Thanks for taking the time to spread your passion.

[@creatik7180]

This is still one of my favorite videos. I come back to it every now and then.

[@sleepyazathoth5238]

Your videos are so worth the wait.

[@georgelucas5921]

Tony will there ever be a video dedicated to my films? Much love my friend. You are the key to all of this.

[@everyframeapainting]

+George Lucas I don't know. I'd have to watch your films in their original, unaltered theatrical releases. You know, to get a real sense of your style.

[@georgelucas5921]

I'm sorry but the special editions are my final vision, you just have to accept that.

[@georgelucas5921]

Tommy Wiseau You can't undo that, but we can diminish the effects of it.

[@tommywiseau4224]

+George Lucas All your films are so dense.

[@overdev1993]

+Every Frame a Painting Search for "Star Wars DeSpecialized Edition" there you have your unaltered versions of the movies in HD and good quality.

[@JCFRFutterman]

One of the reasons why the Bourne shots are over the shoulder with a long lens is because they are in abstract office environments. The backgrounds are not as important or interesting. Also the 'fly on the wall' effect is powerful and is aligned with the story itself where no one knows where the next thread is coming from. Both can create brilliant filmmaking.

[@PavelEStan]

I would like to take a moment to thank you for all the effort you put into your work, and hope this get's to you. You have a mesmerizing perspective on visual arts, and a wide-spread culture! Every video you make teaches me something new. Thank you for everything!

[@tonykingjhon]

Thank you for making this. The Coen Brothers are one (or two) of my favorite directors!

[@balls261]

This has quickly become my favourite channel on KZbin.

[@stratowhore9051]

I love everything I've seen by the Coen Brothers. They are F*cking geniuses!

[@midnightkiteflight6333]

I know these guys haven't upped anything for years but I still come back and watch these videos pretty regularly. They're fr 10/10 inspiration.

[@agentham]

Perfect scene to end the video on, btw.

[@SkyCinema]

Awesome stuff Tony! Keep up the good work

[@afilmchannel7660]

Some of the most effective cinematic moments come from the details put into a seemingly basic scene. Great video from Tony again!

[@ItamarHaggaiMusic]

This is up now my favorite channel. These 8 minute lectures are really great and educational. Thanks!

[@awake1251]

Love this channel and how educational the videos are. Keep up the great content!

[@ivolutionart]

Your videos make me pay attention to things I didn't knew I have to pay attention to. Awesome work.

[@stefanmueller7136]

How happy I was when I saw you uploaded again. Even happier now that I saw it. Keep up the great work!

[@DanielDanielsen]

I love Every Frame a Painting , no bs, just great content and straight to the point! How every youtube channel should be.

[@samuelshaw7730]

I'd love to see you do a video on Sergio leone's films

[@brunolerman2108]

So simple. So catchy. You guys put into words an unexplainable passion

[@Splitsie]

Thank you so much for these videos, I can't tell you how much they have helped me with my own work. I hope they keep on coming because every video of yours I watch I get a little bit better.

[@ehngee544]

This is an incredibly informative video. You've given me a greater appreciation for my favorite directors.

[@JakeJarvi]

Beautifully explained.

[@dararohan1209]

Is it just me or are these videos really well edited?

[@redlion145]

+Dara Rohan The main creator, Tony, is a film editor by trade.

[@dararohan1209]

+Irish Identity Did not know that.

[@joshhayes8240]

Absolutely love this show. Another awesome "episode". Thanks, y'all!

[@BullitCake]

Remarkable yet again. Great work Tony and team.

[@ihath]

Such keep eye. Precise commentary. Every Video A Little Treasure.

[@jerkthegerk1195]

I really really really really like these videos. Keep it up FOREVER

[@reneemoreno8030]

My first 45 was Green River...nice piece. Thanks for sharing and point made. Holding still and letting the camera see you was how I was told.

[@andrewsobotka]

I learn and appreciate something new every time I watch your videos. Thank you.

[@nunyabizness6376]

Luv the Coen bros, respect the perspective on their work... Subbed!

[@listenherejack]

Oooooh, that NCFOM final cut you did there. Very smooth.

[@sravanilalighoshjana]

Every frame is really a painted subject matter in the realm of cinema! I liked ur caption.Your explanation shot by shot, choice of shots, your analysis and your style or dissection or cinema- everything so brilliant and apt! You are a good teacher and we are becoming your keen student and admirer.

[@delivrex]

I'm always looking forward to your videos and as always a great insight into film making Tony.

[@johnrogers8876]

Every Coen film is a comedy to some degree. This is the reason behind the close and long shot jumble. Above all else their films are character-based and immersed in the absurdity of life which at times is tragic or violent but always filled with nervous laughter.

[@pliskinn0089]

+John Rogers Yeah its callled Tragicomedy.

[@johnrogers8876]

+pliskinn0089 indeed. Just saw this English class at Willamette University: Tragicomedy from Aristotle to the Coen Brothers. That would have been interesting.

[@Shilag]

Have you ever had a director actually give you feedback on any of your videos about them? That would be very interesting to see, what they think of analyses of their own works.

[@everyframeapainting]

+Shilag Only Edgar Wright, who said thank you. I've had other directors comment on videos that were not about them, and I've had collaborators of directors remark on videos about those directors, but to my knowledge, only Edgar Wright has commented on his own video.

[@lucadreier22]

+Every Frame a Painting That is really nice of him!

[@tobiaspolze]

+Every Frame a Painting Wow, a simple thank you, but quite an honor for your good work by a person who really has knowledge about his area

[@MariaVosa]

+Every Frame a Painting Awesome! Was he happy with it? It is one of your very best in my opinion and that says a lot, because you are consistently great! :)

[@JL-pf6qb]

+Every Frame a Painting Did you screen cap it or is there somewhere we can see the comment?

[@braeves]

Tony, best video yet. Hands down. Thank you for making this and consistently curating the best youtube film channel out. Can't wait for the next one!

[@aarond9563]

Once again, amazing. Always a great and comprehensive analysis.

[@happyfase]

Raising Arizona is one of the best movies ever made. Everytime I hear that banjo and yodelling the hairs on my neck stand up.

[@edbenti5007]

Yasujiro Ozu mastered this technique of placing the camera directly between the two speaking subjects a looooooooong time ago.

[@adamjensen9899]

Saw this in recent uploads, so it goes without saying that you made my day.

[@JohannesLabusch]

This has been in my recommendations for a while and I'm mad about every time I didn't watch this. Fantastic work!

[@brunomesmo4906]

When I read the title my heart melted

[@sammuel1971]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the cinematography of The Revenant.

[@skateordie002]

Why?

[@TheAndrewBen]

+Roberto Horacio De Lugo It would be nice to give an analysis on their use of cinematography for scenery, action, and long-shots. The long-shots were amazing.

[@quyenkelly9]

+Andrew K why

[@julian3265]

HI LOOK AT MY CUTE LANDSCAPES LOOK AT THIS LONG-SHOT WOW IM A SKILLED DIRECTOR LOOK AT ME LOOK EVERYTHING I CAN DO!

[@louciferLGS]

Your videos are so god damn delightful to watch. Keep the uploads coming!

[@anilmee]

loved it..... how simply you capture this..... its amazing

[@Jordan-zk2wd]

I'd love to see you do a video on how the directing in Star Wars evolved from A New Hope to The Force Awakens. On rewatch at home it's struck me how awesome JJ shot that movie, he has these takes sort of like the the Spielberg Oners in Fast Motion, where he'll capture a handful of different actions in the same 30ish second shot, and he's not afraid to use focus as his friend on top of a little camera movement. +Every Frame a Painting

[@dityahadinata]

i second this @everyframeapainting

[@sarcasticfantastic1713]

Jordan Kelley actually, I did that video on my channel, the difference in techniques, and thought processes, I'll paste the link.

[@kenthawley5990]

This is brilliant. And it is art the way the Coens bring out minor characters in short shots.

[@ihabhassan2476]

You are exceptional!!! Thanks again and again Tony!!

[@pedropacheco2925]

I've seen all your videos and I can't wait for the next one.

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

"I've got a very strong feelings about lenses." Yeah Roger, as one of the world's greatest cinematographers I imagine you have

[@0DarkWolfSVK]

I just watched all your videos and they are amazing. I would like to see some videos about Kubrick and Tarantino or about some actors. Can't wait to see more. You are doing a great work.

[@TonyDupre]

I've always loved combining single shot conversations with "over-the-shoulder" in my filmmaking to create different feelings for different kinds of conversations. I've also loved using the quadrant system for conversations as well

[@theguywithawheel23]

You should be proud. Your videos are the most entertaining and informative essays on filmmaking that exist on youtube.

[@Neenumb]

OK I'm a little late to this party. I think I've gained a greater understanding of reverse shots in less than 10 minutes than I could have learnt in a semester at college. Thanks, you have another subscriber.

[@jrjubach]

This channel is so freaking good.

[@SpaceCadet1]

Great analysis as always Tony, and I think you chose the absolute best scene to end this clip with.

[@StockElements]

These videos are fantastic and are rekindling my desire to write my own film. Tony, you are literally an inspiration to me with your depth of knowledge and attention to detail. It's amazing to hear someone articulate all the reasons that these films are so incredible.

[@BrandonTylerGoogle]

I feel like I just went to film school. Thank you for this!

[@TheicMoggy]

Jerry's and Marge's dialogue is forever my favorite

[@williamssdd4]

Excellent video with great content as always ! Thank you for making these !

[@krzysztofnorko2496]

these are too good, plz keep making them!