Term: Offscreen
« Back to Glossary IndexThe space which is not visible in the frame at a certain moment, but which exists in the diegetic world of a narrative film. Offscreen space becomes significant when the viewer’s attention is drawn to something in the diegesis that is not visible in the frame, i.e. someone looking offscreen at someone else, a light ray or a shadow entering the frame from offscreen, or a sound heard from offscreen. Offscreen space is often later revealed through camera movement and is commonly exploited for suspense in horror and thriller films.
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