The Kuleshov Effect is primarily concerned with the relationship between two what?

The Kuleshov Effect is primarily concerned with the relationship between two shots. This cinematic principle, named after filmmaker Lev Kuleshov, illustrates how the arrangement and juxtaposition of images can influence audience perception and interpretation. When two shots are placed in sequence, the viewer creates meaning based on the combination of these images, even if the shots are not related in content.

For example, a shot of an actor’s neutral expression followed by a shot of a bowl of soup can lead viewers to interpret the actor as hungry. However, if the second shot features a grave scene, viewers may interpret the same neutral expression as one of sadness. This effect emphasizes the power of editing in storytelling and how filmmakers can manipulate audience emotions and understanding through shot composition.

Options pertaining to characters, scenes, or narratives do not capture the essence of the Kuleshov Effect, which is fundamentally about the visual relationship between pairs of shots and how that arrangement shapes viewer perception.