Directors — A Lesson in Perspective
Analytic Perspective and Signature Shots of Famous Directors
Many famous directors are known for specific camera angles, techniques, and perspectives. It is often possible to identify the director of a movie simply by noting their signature shots.
These shots also serve as great examples for thinking about analytic perspective. While directors use them to tell a story, analysts use them to find one.
The One Point Perspective
Stanley Kubrick is famous for the one point perspective. It utilizes a fixed point of reference and emphasizes the long view.
In analytics, this can best be represented by a time series analysis. A long view of its own, it works best when utilizing a fixed denominator. Like Kubrick's signature shot, the time series also creates a building sense of distance.
Extreme Close Up
Steven Spielberg is a huge fan of the extreme close up. It is an interesting example for analytics where it could easily be a metaphor for close examination and focus.
But Spielberg favors this shot because it helps to emphasize human emotion. It that sense, analysts should consider how their own analysis connects with their customers. How do you capture the emotion and experience behind your data?
Over the Shoulder
Spielberg also likes the over the shoulder shot. Often these are described as ‘claustrophobics’ and emphasize the proximity of the characters.
Analysts though should avoid that feeling of claustrophobia. Having another analyst look over your shoulder is one of the easiest ways to increase your perspective. Two heads are always better than one.
The 360 or Spinning Shot
Michael Bay is probably best known for explosions, but his signature shot is the 360. This is an easy and powerful metaphor for analytic perspective. Analysts need to consider all vantage points and the 360 does an able if not perfect job of hitting them.
The shot also creates consequence and drama — as if the 5000 explosions in a typical Bay movie weren’t enough. This signature shot also emphasizes the character. Again analysts should note the emphasis, the focus, and the energy created by such a complete view.
The Trunk Shot
The signature shot of Quentin Tarantino is the trunk shot. It is a masterful change in perspective and one that analysts should emulate.
Tarantino essentially flips perspective. For an analyst, this might mean considering an issue from the point of view of the customer, the competition, or even the product. It is a solid technique to try, even if it doesn’t always work.
The Barrel Roll
Christopher Nolan teaches us to turn the world on its side. Then just keep going. He is known for the barrel roll. From Batman to Inception, Nolan is always looking to change your perspective.
For analysts, the best connection might be in how we create graphs. Consider rotating your axis to get a different feel for the data. Just be careful of distortions.
The Dolly Zoom
Finally, we arrive at the best mamma jamma to ever stand behind a camera. Alfred Hitchcock invented the Dolly Zoom. A perspective changing tool that makes MC Escher excited. Stretching and distortion are not easy metaphors for analytics, but creativity and innovation should be.
All these great directors are innovative, ground-breaking, master storytellers. They are excellent role models for any analyst. While occasionally you may need to employ a little lateral thinking, their films are great sources for analogy and inspiration.
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For more information on the author visit his profile on LinkedIN — George Earl
