How Filmmakers Use Aspect Ratio Tricks in Movies

Often, it’s the things you don’t notice that make or break a movie, and there’s no more subtle mindfuckery than playing tricks with aspect ratios.

In this wonderfully educational short video, Now You See It explains how different aspect ratios — and switching between them — can be used as thematic devices in movies. I’m ashamed to say that I never noticed the switches in movies like Interstellar and The Dark Knight Rises, but once they’re pointed out, it’s incredibly obvious (and makes so much sense).