The 180 Degree Rule

 

The 180 Degree Rule dictates that when filming, the camera should not cross to the opposite side of a scene. If this rule is violated, it disorientates the viewer, and causes the action to look disjointed, as if the scene has switched around. However this rule can be violated for effect, as in The Lord of the Rings when Gollum is talking to himself. In order to create a feeling of multiple personalities, the camera crosses the line to make it looks as if he is talking to himself, yet in the scene he is in the same position. At the beginning of the scene the viewer can see the camera cross the line, so this helps orientate the viewer, and then once it gains the audience's trust, it violates the rule for effect.