what is shot/reverse shot

What is shot/reverse shot?


A shot reverse shot is a key technique used in many films. Shot reverse shot is where one character is shown looking at another character ,and then another character is shown looking back at the first character. Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer assumes that they are both looking at each other, having a conversation. The cameras are normally positioned behind the shoulder of both characters, therefore if a character was speaking the camera would be over their shoulder, so you could see the other characters reaction.

However you can also have the cameras positioned in a wide or medium shot too.By doing this editing technique it allows the viewers to get a sense of their surrounding , to allow them to have a greater understanding of their location, for example if you saw Big Ben you would know that the film was based in London. 

An example of shot reverse shot is within the film -wolf of Wallstreet.  

https://youtu.be/wM6exo00T5I