Cinematography is a crucial element that can elevate a film from good to unforgettable.
Which films do you think showcase the most striking cinematography? Are there specific scenes, techniques, or shots that stood out to you?
Blade Runner 2049, Children of Men, Birdman, There Will Be Blood, Dune pts 1 and 2, The Assassination of Jesse James, The Apu Trilogy, Koyaanisqatsi, Barry Lyndon, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Chungking Express, Paris Texas, Apocalypse Now, Eyes Wide Shut, Goodfellas
I can keep going…
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I think it’s useful with these kinds of questions to categorize different approaches taken by film makers, and then identify which films do well within each category.
From the top of my head, here are some that left an impression on me.
Close-ups: The Passion of Joan of Arc, Shame
Long shots: Children of Men, Roma (both by Cuaron), Charulata
Observational static camera: Tokyo Story (and other films by Ozu)
Hand-held: Mommy
Expressionistic: That is, where the film uses colour filters, lighting, etc. to convey themes and ideas or express the psychological states of its characters. Eg: In the Mood for Love (and other films by WKW), The Double Life of Veronique, Three Colours trilogy
Grandeur: Films which are visual spectacles. Eg: The Fall, La La Land, The Umbrellas of Chebourg, Days of Heaven, Dune
Vérité style: Vera Drake, Secrets & Lies, Kes