Storyboard Imitation

In the ending battle scene in Saving Private Ryan the framing and cinematography are shot and edited to engage the audience or viewer in the chaos of the battle. In majority of the scene the rule of 180 is followed, but in certain parts, to show action and throw the viewers eye for a spin to complicate the view and action feeling the camera flips 180 degrees to view where the action is taking place.  

As Tom Hanks fires his pistol at the armored tank, the camera faces him in a long shot on the ground, then turns 180 degrees Over the shoulder to the tank. Since the viewer is aware that when you fire a pistol at something, it will hit that way; the shots are not as confusing when breaking the line. An action also can make it possible for the line to be broken. As planes fly overhead, the camera tilts up and over with the planes flying by, also not following a 180 degree rule because of the motion of the planes. If the 180 degree line was followed in each shot, with or without action, a easier feeling to the audience would appear, and not a chaotic battle with bullets flying everywhere like they should feel.

To prevent jump cuts, the director used the rule of 30 degrees.  When ever a new shot was made and still on the same line of 180, 30 degrees or more is added or subtracted from the angle of the camera to keep the subject in place, without jump cutting and confusing the viewers eyes more than needed.

Throughout the scene the rule of thirds is followed very well for a complicated battle scene. One example where the rule of thirds is not followed is around 2 minutes and 37 seconds of the scene where Private Ryan is shown in the bottom middle of the frame. This framing is to show sorrow or sadness in Ryan. By placing him in the middle of the shot, power is taken away from him as a solider and man, and everything around him is overwhelming or towering over him after the battle. A different emotion is added in the scene as it begins to slow down from the chaotic battle to a slow emotional ending. Viewers attention is drawn all around Ryan, but still focusing on him as he stands up in awe of what just happened.