180 Degree Rule

The 180 degree rule regards the placement of the camera in relation to two subjects in a shot. It relies on an invisible line on which the actors are placed. The rule states that in one sequence the camera must stay on the side of the line it started at. This is done to prevent audience confusion as it may look as if the actors have switched places if the camera is placed on the opposite side of the line.

This rule however is not always followed, in "The Shining", Director Stanley Kubrick breaks this rule to confuse the audience on purpose, and add to the effect a psychological thriller has on the mind.