The sequencing in this artfully shot video from washingtonpost.com continues throughout the piece; however, the initial sequence impressed me with its ability to compel me to watch the video although it was very calm and quiet.
From :00-:03 there is a wide shot with the subjects blurred in the background, amongst the field and the tractor. There is little movement and the cattails in the front receive the sharp focus as they move slightly. However, the two people in the background are distinguishable, which lends itself as a transition to the next shot, which I think is very effective.
From :04-:06 there is the tight shot of one of the people in the field weeding through the dirt. Both hands are covered in dirt and actively moving in the shot.
This sequence is completed by a medium shot from :06-:09. The shot consists of one woman partially in the frame on the left side and a good portion of another woman on the right side. Once again, there is focusing that leaves the majority of the frame slightly blurry as the two women tend to the plants and one speaks about her former job.
The wide-tight-medium composition is effective in this example because it establishes a calm, serene setting which is immediately followed by up-close activity that prompts curiosity that is resolved by the medium shot. Also, from the initial wide shot and succeeding tight shot, we do not know for certain that the two individuals are female; stereotyping would lend to the notion that most fieldworkers/farmers are men. The stereotype is defied by the medium shot, when we see women in pastel clothing and feminine straw hats tending the field.
A final aspect of the sequence I liked was the sole presence of ambient sound for most of the first two shots. The natural sounds of the farm (insects, rusting of plants) establishes a calm place that seems relaxing and enjoyable. This good feeling compelled me to keep watching and see what these people were doing because they seemed so at peace.
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