Breaking the 180-Degree Rule in Staging to Create Visual Chaos and Tension: A Directorial Analysis of the Short Film Derita Penunggu Rumah

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-603-1_4How to use a DOI?

Keywords

directing; 180-degree rule; staging; tension; chaos; film Derita Penunggu Rumah

Abstract

This research explores the use of breaking the 180-degree rule as a directorial strategy to build visual chaos and tension in the short film Derita Penunggu Rumah, a supernatural comedy. Focusing on the climax scene, the research investigates how spatial disorientation can be achieved through deliberate staging rather than relying solely on camera movement or angle. The creative decision to violate the 180-degree rule was designed to evoke discomfort, emotional confusion, and narrative intensity during moments of conflict. Primary data includes both the short film Derita Penunggu Rumah itself and literature on film directing, particularly those discussing spatial composition and staging. The study uses qualitative analysis of shot composition, character positioning, and screen direction to reveal how staging can shape the emotional perception of a scene. Findings show that visual chaos and tension are not exclusively dependent on dynamic cinematography but can also be effectively constructed through intentional disruptions in staging. When such techniques are applied purposefully and in alignment with the film’s narrative vision, they enhance the psychological engagement of the audience. This study contributes to the understanding of directorial choices as creative tools to manipulate audience perception and emotion.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Giovann Byanca
AU  - Petrus Damiami Sitepu
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/04
TI  - Breaking the 180-Degree Rule in Staging to Create Visual Chaos and Tension: A Directorial Analysis of the Short Film Derita Penunggu Rumah
BT  - Proceedings of the International Moving Image Cultures Conference (IMOVICCON 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 33
EP  - 45
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-603-1_4
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-603-1_4
ID  - Byanca2026
ER  -