Why is the Dutch Angle used so much in movies?

Shalin Sinha
2 min readOct 11, 2021
Nashville Film Institute

The most diverse angle in cinema. Also known as the Batman Angle, The Oblique Angle, and even The German Angle. Yes, I know. Too many names! Just part of the whole Dutch Angle personality! In this article, we’ll talk about what the Dutch Angle is, why is it used, and where has it been used.

What is it?

ISO 1200 Magazine

The Dutch Angle is a camera shot where the camera is slightly tilted or rotated diagonally. It was first used by German Expressionists in the 1920s.

Gfycat

Most Dutch Angle shots are static shots, however in a moving Dutch Angle, the camera is able to move along the diagonal line for the shot.

Why is it used?

Ohio State University

The Dutch Angle is used to make the viewers feel uneasy. It’s one way the film director can tell the viewer something is wrong.

Where has it been used?

Dutch Angles are a favorite among directors. Now let’s see some examples of where the Dutch Angle has been used:

  1. Inception
Slate Magazine

2. Inglourious Basterds

Studio Binder

3. Do The Right Thing

Film School Rejects

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Nashville Film Institute

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Shalin Sinha

Shalin Sinha is a high schooler who is passionate about technology and business. In his downtime, he likes to build gadgets and act in plays.