Cinematic containers: aspect ratio and creative filmmaking

This research project investigates the creative implementations of aspect ratio in contemporary films. Specifically, it examines aspect ratio’s creative role in film narrative and aesthetics. Aspect ratio has traditionally been viewed as the standardised proportions of the cinematic frame and is not expected to contribute to the content of the film itself. However, with the rise of digital technology, the aspect ratio is no longer standardised but has been given the opportunity to contribute in a creative role. The research project is implemented using two forms: a written exegesis and a short film. The written thesis focuses on three contemporary films and their creative use of the aspect ratio. The short film places the aspect ratio into creative use to demonstrate how it can be used to tell a story. With these two approaches, the project aims to understand the creative role of aspect ratio from a creative filmmaking standpoint.