Ever since the DSLR (digital single-lens reflex cameras) revolution, more and more
people have been embracing the art of DIY filmmaking. An unexpected, but
welcome, side effect is the increased popularity of cinematography. Of course,
cinema audiences have been aware of cinematography before, but never to this
extent.
With that in mind, it’s ironic to talk about how good the
cinematography was in a particular film. It means the viewer was paying less
attention to the story and more to the photography. It would certainly be a compliment
for the DP, and inevitable after repeat viewings, but is not a good sign for a
first time viewing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
AJ Young is a freelance cinematographer based in LA. His experience includes shooting independent feature films, short films, music videos, and numerous other visual mediums. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, AJ continues to focus on developing his craft and understanding of cinematography.
As a professional cinematographer, I’m happy to see more
interest in my field – particularly because filmmaking has become increasingly democratized.
Since larger numbers of people are making movies, there is greater awareness of
how important a cinematographer (a.k.a. “Director of Photography” or “DP”) is
to a film. Take a quick look at any film industry job board (Mandy.com, Facebook groups, or even Craigslist)
and you’ll see a plethora of want ads for DP’s. Now, whether these jobs are any
good (or paid) and whether the applicant pool is already over-saturated is
another story.
I’m happy to hear people getting excited to see the new work
of Roger Deakins, ASC BSC. But, you may be asking yourself, what is
good cinematography? You may think, “Well it has to look pretty and cinematic!”
In my opinion, however, it’s actually quite the opposite.
1. Good Cinematography is Unnoticeable
Telling the story is the most important part of cinema.
Narrative features, documentaries, even TV News – they all tell a story. The
focus of a film is the story and every facet of the film is controlled by it
(including the actors!). A DP must identify and use visual storytelling
elements (such as composition, lighting, and color) to progress the plot. The
main goal of a DP is to keep the audience focused on the story.
This article by NoFilmSchool.com is a perfect explanation of how cinematography serves
the story. It’s not Citizen Kane or Dark Knight, but it’s exactly what the
story needed. Personally, I’m really happy that cinematographers receive
recognition at the Oscars, but I believe it sends the wrong message to new
generations; they start looking for the cinematography rather than the story.
2. Good Cinematography is Consistent
Consistency in cinematography separates the kids from the adults.
Staying consistent within a movie better conceals the cinematography, which is
the number one goal. There are many things to keep consistent as a DP, but I’ll
focus on two:
First, the color is consistent from shot to shot. For
example, this scene from Skyfall demonstrates
consistent color between shots.
In both frames, the blue, the contrast ratio, and the
brightness are consistent. It is important to note, however, that a filmmaker
can change the color from scene to scene to visually portray character
development and plot progression.
Second, the compositions are balanced from shot to shot. Another example is this other scene from Skyfall.
Often, films have tons of dialogue. Most dialogue scenes
require a shot of a single person talking. Usually, this means an unbalanced
frame; the subject isn’t centered, but on either the far left or right.
These two shots are unbalanced when seen individually (Judi
Dench is on the left and Ralph Fiennes is on the right), but balanced when cut
together. A movie isn’t about one shot,
but rather multiple shots with varying compositions that complement each other.
3. Good Cinematography Motivates Camera Movement
Ever watch an amateur film and it just feels like some guy pointing
a camera at things? Technically, that’s what we’re always doing, but amateur
films make it apparent that there is a camera being used. Remember, a DP must
keep the cinematography hidden; the audience shouldn’t realize the camera is
moving. Good cinematography hides the camera movement and placement through
motivation.
Bad camera operating is usually nervous camera operating. You’ll
notice the operator constantly “floating” the camera (as if it’s handheld, but
still on a tripod), constantly reframing, reacting slowly to action, or reacting
too quickly to action (they’re anticipating the actor to move and it shows in
camera).
The less apparent the camera movement, the more you feel the
emotions from the performances and scenes. Tony Zhou, a great video essayist,
details great camera movement in a video essay about Spielberg and his seamless
“oners”. Watch it here! (Heads up, there’s some language).
4. Good Cinematography’s Lighting Fits the Location
What may seem obvious on the surface is actually seldom
remembered by amateur cinematographers. Lighting that fits a location helps
hide the fact that an audience is watching a film – though there is still
debate regarding theatrical vs. natural lighting.
Basically, good lighting isn’t about quality of light, the
types of light used, or even the number of lights, but how they’re used in
context to the scene’s location.
Interrogation scenes are usually the first scenes new DP’s
shoot in school and, as such, they soon realize the importance of lighting to
match location, mood, and context. This scene from The Dark Knight is gritty, intense, and iconic, particularly
because the lighting accentuates those elements!
One thing to remember is the mise en scene of a
location. Long story short, the location, props, and lighting help define the
dimensions of a character. The scene above tells us that Batman is in a dark
place and that the world is becoming grittier and deadlier.
5. Good Cinematography Can Be Felt
Since the dawn of time, humans have been drawn to
storytelling because of the emotions it stirs within us. Even though its primary purpose is to propel
the story, good cinematography allows the
audience to feel the emotions of the story. On the other hand, obtrusive
cinematography calls undue attention to the filmmaking process, distracts the
audience from the story and prevents them from feeling emotionally moved.
Now, “How do you know that you’ve felt good cinematography?”
If the film experience leaves a lasting
emotional impression, it is a clear sign that the photography served the
purpose of the story.
The D-Day scene from Saving
Private Ryan is a harrowing experience, most particularly because the
cinematography, acting, and editing work
together to elicit the emotions of fear, shock, and courage. When you watch
the scene for the first time, you never stop and think, “Wow, the
cinematography is brilliant.” You get sucked into the story. You feel the
emotions. You walk away having had an experience.
Summary
As new artists begin making films and the art form becomes
more and more democratized, we must focus on what truly matters: the story and
the audience. Sure, some people watch a movie simply because a certain
actor/actress is the lead, but the movies everyone talks about (the Oscar
winners, the box office smashes, and even the cult favorites), affect audiences
through emotion and story.
At the end of the day, a film is a puzzle. Cinematography is
just one piece to that puzzle. Our job is to figure out how we fit into the
bigger picture – how we can seamlessly
contribute to finishing the puzzle.
