Superhero Filmmaking: Doctor Strange and the 180 Degree Rule

The 180 Degree Rule and how it applies in superhero filmmaking, particularly for Doctor Strange.

Movies are a visual medium and are one of the compelling forms of art in our world. Ever since the first camera was invented, countless filmmakers have explored many techniques and styles of how to convey and communicate story, emotion, and spectacle to audiences. Many of those tricks are still used by modern directors today, and are abundant in superhero movies.

Every month, I’ll break down a cinematic technique and how it was used effectively in your favorite comic book film to help you appreciate that film even more. In honor of the highly anticipated Thor: Ragnarok, I’ll be covering Doctor Strange, whose title character will make an appearance in the latest Thor movie. Of the many different cinematic techniques used in Doctor Strange, I’ll be focusing on the simple yet effective “180 degree rule break.”

So first off, what is a 180 degree rule? It is a term used on set when blocking actors in relation to where the camera is placed. Once an imaginary line has been drawn between the actors and the camera is set, the camera must moved at least 30 degrees of more in relation to that imaginary line to prevent a jarring cut or transition when editing the scene. For some reason, our brains will feel a displacement if a shot cuts to an angle that is less than 30 degree but will subconsciously accept if a shot cuts more than 30 degrees. Also, if the camera moves over that line, the entire perception of the location and actors changes and could subconsciously confuse an audience. This quick video explains it perfectly.

However, rules are meant to be broken, and many master directors have broken the 180 degree rule in their movies, but for a specific purpose, to change the mood of the scene. So how does this apply to Doctor Strange? There is a great scene near the middle of the movie where director Scott Derrickson applies a simple yet powerful 180 degree break. The scene I’m referring to is when the Ancient One is near death and has her final conversation with Stephen Strange in their Astral Forms. Watch the scene here:

Notice how at 1:42, the camera moves from behind the actor’s heads, to the front of their heads. That is a textbook example of a 180 degree rule break, crossing over the imaginary line to show a new perspective. Also notice that for the rest of the scene, most of the coverage is from this new established angle in front of them instead of behind. But why does it happen there? It’s because that is the moment Stephen Strange, a narcissistic and arrogant character, learns an important character changing lesson, “It’s not all about him.” Strange starts to see from another point of view, just as the audience does.

After that scene, Stephen Strange’s character arc progresses from being selfish, to selfless for the rest of the film. He chooses to sacrifice himself in a constant and (somewhat) eternal battle with Dormammu to save mankind, something the Stephen Strange at the beginning of this movie would never consider.

Next: 50 greatest super heroes in comic book history

Now that you are educated in the 180-degree rule, see if you can spot this line being broken in other comic book films!