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Dirty Single

Frames one subject with a portion of another character visible in the foreground, usually out of focus. This creates depth and maintains spatial relationships during dialogue while keeping primary focus on one character. It's less isolating than a clean single but more focused than a two-shot.

Dirty Single - cinematic example

When to Use

  • Maintaining spatial relationships during dialogue coverage
  • Creating depth through layered foreground and background
  • Showing one character's reaction while acknowledging the other's presence
  • Building visual tension by partially obscuring the speaking character

Famous Examples

The Master (2012)
Processing sessions between Freddie and Lancaster
Heat (1995)
Diner conversation between McCauley and Hanna
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Clarice and Hannibal's conversations with partial frames

Related Techniques

Clean SingleOver-the-Shoulder ShotTwo-ShotMedium Close-Up Shot

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