Behind the Lens: A Deep Dive into the Best Cinematography in Filmmaking
- Alex Cormack
- Feb 26
- 6 min read
Cinematography is often called the backbone of filmmaking. It involves the techniques and artistry of capturing moving images that tell powerful stories and evoke emotions. Mastering this craft can make a significant difference in how well a visual narrative connects with an audience. In this article, we'll explore the fundamentals of the best cinematography, from its history to essential techniques and equipment, all while examining its vital role in storytelling. Let’s embark on this exciting journey behind the lens.
The Evolution of Cinematography
Cinematography has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century, when pioneering filmmakers like Georges Méliès and D.W. Griffith began experimenting with early motion pictures. Méliès is renowned for his imaginative use of film techniques, such as multiple exposures and time-lapse photography. His iconic work, A Trip to the Moon (1902), showcases creative camera tricks that captivated audiences.
Advancements in technology, including the development of color film and digital cameras, have dramatically transformed cinematography. For instance, between 2000 and 2020, the use of digital cinema cameras grew by 70%, as filmmakers sought high-quality images at lower costs. Today’s cinematographers enjoy tools and techniques unimaginable just a century ago.
Understanding the art of cinematography also means recognizing its role in visual storytelling. Every shot is purposefully crafted to enhance the narrative. The choice of where to put the camera, which lens to use and how to light the scene can drastically change the tone of the shot, the scene and the story as a whole.
The Role of a Cinematographer
A cinematographer, or director of photography (DP), is critical to a film's visual outlook. They collaborate closely with the director to shape the film's tone and aesthetic. This involves carefully deciding on camera placement, lighting, lens choices, and shot composition to match the director's vision.
A cinematographer must also grasp the story and characters deeply. For instance, in The Revenant (2015), cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki uses long takes and immersive shots to reflect the protagonist's struggle against nature. Each frame should support the storyline and evoke the right emotions. Technical skill and creativity are essential for a cinematographer to visually tell complex stories.
Effective communication with the entire crew, including camera operators and lighting technicians, is also vital. This teamwork ensures everyone works toward the same goal in forming the desired visual outcome.
Key Techniques in Cinematography
Composition
Composition refers to how visual elements are arranged within a frame, directing the viewer's attention and conveying meaning. Key principles include:
Rule of Thirds: Dividing the frame into nine equal parts helps place important elements along the lines or intersections, guiding the viewer’s focus.
Leading Lines: Using natural lines in the scene can draw attention to the subject and add depth.
Framing: Incorporating elements in the scene to frame the subject can enhance context and interest.
By skillfully applying these techniques, cinematographers create visually engaging frames that enhance storytelling while maintaining audience interest. Different cinematographers often develop unique styles and ways of using these techniques to suit their own taste. Some love smooth long shots, others quick handheld shots.
Some cinematographers shoot most their films in a similar. Others, such as Roger Deakins, believe that the cinematography should only serve the story and as such, changes his style for each film that he works on.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most powerful tools available to cinematographers, shaping mood and establishing scene depth. Various setups evoke different emotions and impact viewer perception significantly. For example:
Three-Point Lighting: This classic setup includes a key light, fill light, and back light to illuminate the subject while avoiding harsh shadows.
High-Key Lighting: A bright setup that creates an even tone, often associated with positive, joyful feelings. Approximately 70% of romantic comedies utilize this style.
Low-Key Lighting: Here, shadows dominate, enhancing drama and tension, frequently found in thrillers and horror films.
Manipulating light can not only beautify a scene but also add complexity to the narrative, helping to shape viewer emotions.
Camera Movement
The way a camera moves can profoundly influence a scene's impact. Different techniques can amplify emotions and enhance storytelling. Consider:
Static Shots: These provide stability and focus, allowing the audience to reflect on the subject.
Pans and Tilts: Moving the camera horizontally or vertically can reveal crucial elements or follow action.
Tracking Shots: By moving the camera with the subject, viewers become fully immersed in the story.
Innovative camera movement can significantly heighten the emotional weight of a scene, making it resonate more deeply with the audience.
Equipment Essentials
Cameras
The choice of camera greatly influences the result of cinematography. Popular options today include:
Digital Cinema Cameras: Models like the ARRI Alexa and RED cameras provide high dynamic range and resolution, crucial for rich visuals.
DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras: Favored for their affordability and portability, these systems still yield impressive images, making them a common choice in independent films.
A cinematographer's expertise in camera capabilities enables them to select the right tools that best serve their story.
Lenses
Lenses significantly affect visual storytelling, influencing perspective and depth. Key types include:
Prime Lenses: With fixed focal lengths, they offer sharp images and can gather more light, enhancing performance in low-light conditions.
Zoom Lenses: These versatile lenses allow for dynamic focal changes without moving the camera, making them ideal for capturing evolving action.
Understanding how to exploit lens characteristics impacts the overall look desired in a film.
The Relationship Between Cinematography and Storytelling
Cinematography is synonymous with visual storytelling. Each shot is meticulously crafted to serve the narrative. For instance, in Moonlight (2016), the use of close-ups on the protagonist conveys vulnerability, while wide shots enhance feelings of isolation.
When cinematographic elements are aligned with a story's emotional arc, it creates a cohesive and powerful experience for the viewer. Mastery of these components allows filmmakers to leave a lasting impression on their audience.
Breaking Down Iconic Cinematic Shots
Some of the Best Cinematography Examples
Analyzing famous shots can offer valuable insights into cinematic techniques. Examples include:
The Breakfast Club (1985): The library scene cleverly uses lighting and character positioning to highlight contrasting backgrounds.
Inception (2010): Steady tracking shots amplify urgency, complementing the dream-focused narrative.
La La Land (2016): The bold colors and dynamic movements support the film's whimsical themes and emotional depth.
By deconstructing these impactful scenes, aspiring cinematographers can glean essential lessons about composition, lighting, and movement.
Challenges in Cinematography
Cinematographers often encounter challenges during production, from tight timelines to budget limits. Adapting to unexpected circumstances requires quick thinking and creative problem-solving. For example, working under varied weather conditions or adjusting to unanticipated location changes can affect how shots are captured.
Successful cinematographers turn these challenges into opportunities for artistic expression, ultimately enriching their storytelling capacity.
Elevating Visual Storytelling
Cinematography is a crucial aspect of filmmaking, intricately tied to storytelling. By mastering essential techniques and tools, understanding historical context, and embracing creativity, filmmakers can elevate their narratives and create resonant connections with audiences.
As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for innovative cinematography are endless. By harnessing both traditional and cutting-edge techniques, filmmakers can tell compelling visual stories that leave a significant impression.
Exploring the world behind the lens encourages passionate creators to refine their craft, ensuring the art of storytelling remains vibrant and impactful.
Gomorrah (2022)
I was lucky enough to work on the cinematography on Gomorrah (directed by Aaron McIntyre). His rich and descriptive script inspired some very creative ideas.
For example, it opens on a one shot, with a few hidden cuts, to immerse our audience in this location. I also used a lot of lens whacking, which is where you take the lens off the camera and move it in front of the sensor at different angles to change the plane of focus. It can create a very dreamy effect.
One quite hidden effect that I like was when the two lead characters are dancing together and then we cut to a slow shutter shot of the lead male, performed by Conor Berry. Then as Sophie Sander's character touches his face, we pan across her arm which is a hidden transition to regular shutter. This creates a feeling that she has brought him back to the moment and calmed him down.
DIY solutions: With a low budget, we had to improvise a bit. For example we have a shot looking down at them lying on the ground. The camera pulls up in a movement that would usually be shot on a crane. Instead, we had two long pieces of string tied to the camera that went up and over a C-Stand boom arm as a makeshift pulley system.
Another example was for the end scene, when he injects heroin and starts floating. We just put him on a wooden plank and lifted him from the mattress.
You can watch the film here:
WARNING: Contains scenes of violence, drug use and swearing.
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