Film Studies: 180 Degree Rule

Film Language Glossary: The 180 rule is a cinematography guideline that states that two characters in a scene should maintain the same left, right relationship to one another. When the camera passes over the invisible axis connecting the two subjects, it is called crossing the line and the shot becomes what is called a reverse angle. Reversing the angle is commonly thought to be disorienting and can distract the audience from the intent of the scene. The 180 degree rule is not a law, many notable filmma