Single

Definition

The Single (German: Einer) is a camera shot that isolates a single character. Unlike a two-shot or a master shot, only one character is visible within the frame. A single can be wide (showing the full body) or tight (showing the face).

Functions of the Single

Emotional Focus

• Concentrates attention on one person
• Reveals inner psychological depth
• Creates intimate moments

Showing Reaction

• Demonstrates how a character reacts to something
• Off-screen action becomes apparent through reaction
• Emotional punctuation without dialogue

Isolation

• Depicts a character's loneliness or isolation
• A psychological statement
• Can be metaphorical

Dialogue Variety

• Alternative to two-shots or over-the-shoulder shots
• Establishes visual rhythm
• Gives the audience time to reflect

Types of Singles

Tight Single

• Head and shoulders
• Very intimate
• Maximum emotional proximity

Medium Single

• Head to waist
• Classic
• Balances intimacy and context

Wide Single

• Shows the entire body
• Context is important
• Less intimate

Profile Single

• Side profile
• Psychologically interesting
• Less direct connection with the audience

Three-Quarter Single

• Slightly turned away
• Appears natural
• Often preferred

"Persona" (Bergman, 1966)

Bergman uses long singles of faces. Often minimally cut, long takes. The faces become landscapes of psychological complexity.

"Taxi Driver" (Scorsese, 1976)

Robert De Niro's solo shots in the monologue scenes. The singles become a psychological deconstruction of the character.

"The Wrestler" (Aronofsky, 2008)

Long, uncomfortable singles of Mickey Rourke's face. The shots avoid beautification – they show vulnerability and age.

"Stalker" (Tarkovsky, 1979)

Long singles of characters. The shots are meditative and psychologically intense.

Single vs. Close-up vs. Reaction

Single

• Frame shows one character
• Can be various sizes
• Wider than just the face
• Often includes background

Close-up

• Very tight
• Typically just the face
• Maximum detail
• Most intimate framing

Reaction Shot

• Specific reaction to something
• Temporally limited
• Psychological reaction is central
• Often used as a cutaway

Single Planning

Pre-Production

1. Determine framing – Tight, Medium, or Wide?
2. Lens choice – 85-135mm for intimacy, 35-50mm for context
3. Background – Out-of-focus or relevant?
4. Lighting – Direct or diffused?
5. Movement – Static or with camera movement?

Production

1. Position character on mark
2. Fine-tune lighting – face must be interesting
3. Focus precisely on the eyes
4. Shoot multiple takes for different moods
5. Rehearse camera movement if necessary

Post-Production

• Length of individual shots is crucial
• Edit balanced with other shots
• Color grading coherent
• Timing for emotional impact

Common Mistakes with Singles

Boring Lighting

• Too flat, no modeling
• Face is uninteresting
• Looks dull

Incorrect Focus

• Not on the eyes
• Background sharper than the face
• Distracting

Too Long Without a Cut

• Audience becomes impatient
• Timing is lost
• If long, it must be psychologically powerful

Lack of Context

• Audience doesn't know what's happening
• Too intimate for the context
• Isolation is unintentional

Singles in Different Genres

Drama

• Subtle and psychological
• Longer singles
• Focus on inner feelings

Horror

• Often used for suspense
• Can feel unsettling
• Often combined with visual effects

Thriller

• Fast rhythm
• Reveals psychological states
• Often used with dialogue

Comedy

• Reaction singles
• Timing is central
• Can be humorous or poignant

Action

• Fewer singles
• If used, then for context
• Quickly cut

Technical Specifications

• Focal Length: 50-135mm (depending on desired intimacy)
• Aperture: f/2.0 - f/2.8 (for depth)
• Focus: Precise on the eyes
• Lighting: Sculpting, interesting
• Length: 2-30 seconds depending on context

The single is simple, but when executed correctly, it can deliver the most powerful emotional statement in a film. A great single is all you need.