Shot/reverse shot (or shot/countershot) is a

film technique This article contains a list of cinematic techniques that are divided into categories and briefly described. Basic definitions of terms ; 180-degree rule :A continuity editorial technique in which sequential shots of two or more actors within ...

where one character is shown looking at another character (often off-screen), and then the other character is shown looking back at the first character (a or ). Since the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer assumes that they are looking at each other.

Context

Shot/reverse shot is a feature of the "classical" Hollywood style of

continuity editing Continuity editing is the process, in film and video creation, of combining more-or-less related shots, or different components cut from a single shot, into a sequence to direct the viewer's attention to a pre-existing consistency of story across b ...

, which deemphasizes transitions between shots such that the spectator perceives one continuous action that develops linearly, chronologically, and logically. It is an example of an

eyeline match An eyeline match is a film editing technique associated with the continuity editing system. It is based on the premise that an audience will want to see what the character on-screen is seeing. An eyeline match begins with a character looking at so ...

References

Sources

Cinematography Film editing Cinematic techniques Television terminology {{film-term-stub