Shot/Reverse Shot - Olivia Farren

Shot/reverse shot is a method that's used in the filming of dialogue, this goes with the 180 degree rule.
This is where the camera switches from a two shot of the characters, to the reverse of this shot.

This technique makes dialogue more interesting to the audience, as it gives vital reactions of either characters during their exchange of dialogue. Using shot/reverse shot also gives variety to the shots used in scene if used in conjunction with three camera positions, however this must be used following the 180 degree rule.

If a conversation if filmed with only a single two shot (look at the diagram to the left as an example), this is a problem for the spectator as this is boring throughout the scene as there is no variety. Also, this means we could only see the side of their faces, which then lacks the reaction shots that are important for the audience understanding and empathising.
Shot/reverse shot is used during conversation between characters to make it more interesting, otherwise the audience wouldn't be entertained.


Here's an example of how shot/reverse shot is constructed, look how it doesn't cross the 180 degree line...
Shot Reverse Shot - Filming Technique