This Shot is a good example of Deep Space composition, because it accurately gives off a distorted perception of depth. This is accomplished by making the viewer feel as if he is seeing down a long tunnel, from which the end cannot be seen. The effect of this is claustrophobic, since the viewer feels trapped by the narrow buildings seemingly 'infringing' from both sides.
Even more disturbing is how the tree seems to 'divide' the scene, further decreasing space in the street.
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This shot uses the Rule of Thirds principle to effectively place important visual information in the foreground, background and the middle ground. The audience's perception is drawn first to the plane landing in the background, and then to the plan still on the runway in the middle ground. Finally, there is a man(?) standing with his back to the screen, solemnly watching. The effect could be of transition, three stages of a life. The falling action, the attempt to regain some stability, and then the wistful regret at trying to avoid the inevitable.
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(Mystery Train: Symmetrical Balance)
I chose this still because this shot is almost perfectly balanced, the two characters on either side of the screen each carry the same screen 'weight'. Also, they are facing the same way, further increasing balance in the shot. In this shot, the Japanese couple is on a train, viewing the countryside go past. The psychological impact is that they are waiting for something, heading towards some long expected destination. The scenery in the background is the idea of what they hope to experience when they get to their destination. Their possibilities for the future seem as limitless as the scenery they are witnessing.
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(Mystery Train, Rule Of Thirds Left Center Right)
I chose this still because the viewer has not one, but three subjects to take in at once. In the confined space of the truck, they are neatly 'wedged' into the left, center, and right spaces. This produces a claustrophobic effect, which is further reinforced by the expressions on each of the characters. Their demeanor is unsure, nervous, and a bit scared. They are trapped because of the actions of one of them, and each would prefer not to be in the other's company. However, they are no longer in control of their destinies, and as such must lead a 'closed' existence.
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In this still, the eye of the viewer is first drawn to the plane at the top of the shot, then to the subject watching it take off, and last, to the car he is leaning on. Each subject covers enough space in the still that they can be 'divided' cleanly like this. Again, there's another man with his back to the audience, leaving only marginal clues as to what he might be thinking. However, the plane taking off may represent the start of something new, or even a missed opportunity. The man's posture suggests that he is at any rate, relaxed enough to accept this development no matter what it may mean.
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I think this shot from 'Dead Man' is a good choice for compositional stress because the subject carries way too much weight in the frame. There is nothing to balance him either, and even more rule-breaking, he seems to be pointing straight at the audience. Also if a viewer will look closely at this frame, the background is composed of black and white-but in an uneven mix-further heightening the stress. Psychologically, the subject's eyes do give the impression that he is a desperate or frightened man. He is very unsure of what he is facing, and that forces the audience to share his uneasiness.
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In this shot from 'Limits of Control' the subject is in the middle of the frame, with his eyes looking up and off-screen. The focus seems to be on where he is gazing, not so much the character himself, yet the expression on his face is deadly serious. The building in the background only seems to draw more attention to his 'eye level' as it is imposing-but due to distance disparity, the subject seems almost as tall as the building! This gives the impression that he is strong, powerful, and confident of himself. Glancing off screen could signal that he has found what he is looking for-or merely anticipation for whatever awaits him.
