What defines an extreme close-up shot in video production?

An extreme close-up shot is characterized by its tight framing, often showcasing a single detailed element or subject, such as a person's eye, a hand, or a specific object. When it is stated that this type of shot involves a magnification that fills the screen entirely, it underscores the extreme focus on that particular element, thus enhancing its emotional or thematic significance in the context of the narrative.

This technique is particularly effective in drawing the viewer's attention to minute details that might be lost in broader compositions, allowing the director and cinematographer to convey profound emotions or highlight important narrative aspects. By isolating the subject to this degree, the audience can foster a deeper connection with the material or comprehend a crucial plot point more clearly.

Other definitions like those describing two items of primary importance, wide angles that capture entire scenes, or shots that clearly show the background with the subject lack the specificity of an extreme close-up, which is fundamentally about magnifying a singular detail rather than broadening the scene or context.