Published: September 23, 2024 | Last Updated: May 21, 2025
eyeline Definition & Meaning
An eyeline is the direction in which a character looks within a shot. It establishes where the character’s gaze is directed, usually towards another character, object, or point of interest, even if it is off-screen. This visual cue helps create continuity between shots, allowing us to follow the character’s perspective and understand spatial relationships in a scene.
Why Eyeline Matching is Important in Movies
Eyeline matches are important in editing, especially during dialogue scenes or interactions between characters.
For instance, if one character looks off-screen to the right, the following shot might show what or whom they’re looking at from a complementary angle.
Eyeline matching smooths the transition between cuts and immerses us in the unfolding narrative without confusion about what characters see or react to.
Like the 180-degree rule, maintaining consistent eyelines helps orient the viewer and preserve the coherence of the film’s scenes.
Read Next: Want to improve how you shoot and move the camera?
Explore all shooting techniques , from handheld and Steadicam to whip pans, slow motion, and continuous takes.
Or head back to the Cinematography section for lighting, lenses, framing, and more visual tools.
