The Ultimate Guide to Freeze Frames - How to Do Them Right

Good vs Bad Freeze Frames - We take a look at the divisive technique, and where it can work well.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Freeze Frames in Film
00:53 - Freeze Frame History
01:53 - Chapter 1: Bookends
05:21 - Chapter 2: Pacing
08:18 - Chapter 3: Emphasis
12:42 - Takeaways
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MOVIE FREEZE FRAMES
For a while in the 1970s and 80s, freeze frames were all the rage. But the technique quickly became hackneyed and widely mocked, with everyone and their mother parodying freeze frames like the one in The Breakfast Club. But today, the frame hold is far from dead. In this episode of Ultimate Guide, we look at the divisive editing trick.
FREEZE AND STILL FRAMES AT BEGINNINGS AND ENDS
The most common place to see a freeze frame is at the beginning or end of a film. A well-utilized frame hold can start a movie with a bang. Think of the Tarantino freeze frame introduction effect. The frame hold at the top of Pulp Fiction is instantly iconic- a powerful blend of image and music. Freezes as endings can be just as memorable. Landing on the right frame can have a powerful impact. It can act as a final farewell (Thelma and Louise) or an open-ended question (400 Blows).
FILM FREEZE FRAMES FOR PACING
By definition, a frame hold affects the pacing of a cut. This can serve a variety of purposes. A freeze can emphasize a character’s expression, or a particularly important emotional beat. Or, it can be used more logistically, allowing for a voice over or piece of music to line up with the sequence. You’ll see this a lot in Martin Scorsese freeze frames, where he’ll halt a shot to give the narrator some time to explain what’s happening.
FREEZE FRAME AS EMPHASIS
No matter how you use a frame hold, it will draw attention. This is why the technique can be so controversial- use it incorrectly and no one can ignore it. But used well, it can allow an audience to absorb visual information they might have missed, or catch a small reaction that otherwise would have gone under the radar.
Freeze frames shouldn’t be relegated to the margins of history. There’s far too much the technique can offer. While there are certainly some laughable examples out there, there are far more great freezes that we won’t be forgetting any time soon.
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♬ SONGS USED:
"Keep Wanting You" - Kicktracks
"Thumper Exotica" - Rhythm Scott
"Still Need Syndrome" - Yarin Primak
"Binary Love" - Stanley Gurvich
"Oscillating Form" - Charlie Ryan
"Inquiry" - Disasterpeace
"Change - (Instrumental)" - DaniHaDani
"The Journey Begins" - John Williams
"Last Train to San Fernando" - Johnny Duncan and the Blue Grass Boys
"The Swan" - Alon Peretz
"Terminal" - Stanley Gurvich
"Lacrimosa" - Zbigniew Preisner
"The Undertake" - Borrtex
"Yes I Am (Instrumental)" - Zach Sorgen
"Noah Sleeps" - James Forest
"Manila Chill" - Kicktracks
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