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What is a Dutch Angle?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

In filmmaking, a Dutch angle is a technique that is used to put viewers off balance to create a feeling of disorientation. This type of shot is created by tilting the camera relative to the scene, creating an image in which the horizon is angled, rather than straight. In some genres, this technique is overused, causing it to become a subject of mockery and criticism, but when used strategically, it can be a very effective tool, as demonstrated in numerous art films.

People may also hear a Dutch angle called a canted, oblique, German, or Batman angle, and shots where the camera has been Dutched are often referred to as angled or oblique shots. Typically, when filmmakers shoot a scene using this technique, they also shoot it at a regular angle, allowing them to work with both in the editing room, in case the titled version does not work out as desired.

Dutch angle is a technique that is used in filmmaking to create a feeling of disorientation among viewers.
Dutch angle is a technique that is used in filmmaking to create a feeling of disorientation among viewers.

The use of the Dutch angle originated in German cinema, where the technique was common in films of the 1930s and 1940s. Supposedly, the “Dutch” in the name is a corruption of Deutsch, which means “German.” From Germany, the technique quickly spread to other regions of the world, experiencing its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, especially in the television series “Batman,” where these angles were so common that viewers might have been forgiven for feeling disoriented by a straight horizon.

Dutch angle was commonly employed in the television series "Batman" during the 60s.
Dutch angle was commonly employed in the television series "Batman" during the 60s.

The use of this technique certainly creates a very specific mood. Because people naturally tend to find an even horizon whenever possible, a Dutch angle can cause viewers to feel unsettled or even nervous. Such angles are often used to emphasize the alienation, madness, or disorientation of a character, by putting viewers off balance. A canted shot can also create tension in a scene, especially when the crew of the film plays with the use of light and framing.

Many Dutch angles are static, remaining fixed, although they can also be moving shots, with the camera being moved on a dolly. These angles can also be used in montages, in which case the angle generally swaps directions from shot to shot in the montage, tilting from right to left and back again.

Some people consider the use of the Dutch angle to be “cheating,” arguing that it is a very manipulative tool. One could argue that the entire point of film is the manipulation of reality, however, and that the use of any number of tools is acceptable when people are trying to create a mood.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MusicalExpert researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a MusicalExpert researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Lefty101

@RainyDay - Using camera angle like the dutch tilt is great for creating atmosphere for movies and TV, but I really don't think that such simple techniques could be applied in subliminal manipulation. People are too smart for stuff like that.

RainyDay

Tiny things like this that can throw off people’s entire perspective, or set them off balance, fascinate and concern me. I mean if a tilted horizon, flashing lights, or other things of the sort really do have an emotional effect on us, couldn't they be used to manipulate us? I mean couldn’t advertisers or politicians use tricks like this on people?

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    • Dutch angle is a technique that is used in filmmaking to create a feeling of disorientation among viewers.
      By: gstockstudio
      Dutch angle is a technique that is used in filmmaking to create a feeling of disorientation among viewers.
    • Dutch angle was commonly employed in the television series "Batman" during the 60s.
      By: Yvonne Bogdanski
      Dutch angle was commonly employed in the television series "Batman" during the 60s.