Extreme Close-up

The "extreme close-up" (or ECU) includes just a person's facial features (eyes, nose, mouth and chin). The top of the head and shoulders are excluded.

ECUs can be disturbing shots because viewers usually don't see their fellow humans in that much detail. 60 Minutes became famous for using extreme close-ups when asking executives about damning evidence. In that instance, ECUs were useful by helping viewers determine whether the guy was lying—by revealing individual drops of sweat coming out of his pores. But for most situations, an extreme close-up is too intrusive.

Extreme Close-up

Extreme close-up (ECU): Up close and (most of the time) too personal.