The scene starts with medium shots of Frodo running through the dark cliffs just outside the tunnel where we were first introduced to Shelob. Having only just narrowly escaped the spider, Frodo now wanders through a labyrinth of rock. This scene doesn’t focus on building tension with the rising music and quick chases used before. Instead, it is eerily quiet; the music will not pick up again until the moment that Frodo falls to the ground. (Spoilers!)
The first wide shot reveals Shelob crawling out of a crack in the cliffs. As a wide shot, it shows Frodo’s powerlessness compared to the giant spider. It also reveals that the place he has stumbled into is enclosed, further establishing his inability to save himself.
After another medium shot of Frodo, the audience receives the iconic horror image of the monster creeping up behind the protagonist. This shot is slightly tilted, reflecting the eeriness of the situation. It is also a low-angle shot, used ironically to show that Frodo is unaware of the spider approaching behind him. It grows more and more tilted, turning nearly 90 degrees, with Shelob’s screen presence continuing to grow. This escalates the danger.
The next few shots are also very specific in their angles: for example, the shots from Frodo’s perspective as he scans the area and the medium shot that shows Shelob’s stinger drop right behind the hobbit.
The most drama, however, is saved for the close-up reaction shot after Frodo is stung. The audience sees exactly what happens to him after the initial shock transitions to confusion and pain. We even get a nice view of his foaming mouth as the shot lingers. This shot capitalizes on Frodo’s emotions and physical reactions.
All photos from Arwen-Undomiel.com
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