Tuesday 9 April 2013

Moving Image Part 2- CINEMATOGRAPHY

 1) What is the role of the cinematographer in film making?
The cinematographer role is more than an artist, it is rather a ‘visual master’ during film making. He needs to understand the story and find those illusive images to tell it. He also needs to understand the subject matter and add to the obvious which involves language far more complex than words. He tells people where to look. He is required a good knowledge of photography and in charge of lighting, composition, overall visual presentation and movement. The cinematographer’s role is to connect with the audience and make them think how he wants them to think. Without him the film will not happen...

 2) Why did director Roman Polanski insist on using hand held camera in the film Chinatown?
Roman Polanski insisted in using hand held camera to achieve a very intimate and spontaneous behaviour from the actors. One of the examples from the film ‘’Chinatown’’ is when the scene takes place in the bathroom and involves two people. The camera which is close to the actors could have been intimidating. That technique is supposed to encourage people involved in the film to act naturally but also to engage with the viewer.



 3) Name two films which use colour in a very symbolic way, and describe what they suggest.

,,Sin City’’ –This film was initially shot in full colour and it was converted to black-and-white. Apart from some certain subjects which were colourised ie blue eyes and clothing; red blood, dress, lips; golden or green eyes. Also in post-production the contrast of the film  was decreased to clearly separate  blacks and whites. All the techniques were used to make the film appear more like the original comic.

,,Days of Heaven” - most of the movie was filmed during the early morning or late evening right before the sun had set, during what became known as "magic hour", creating a backlight. This was done to achieve a magic quality in the visual presentation and structure of the film.

 4) In the film Raging Bull why was the fight scene filmed at different speeds?
The fight in the film ,,Raging Bull’’ was filmed at different speed to control feeling of the viewer. It changes from 24 fps up to 48 fps. The actual time of the fight is 24fps. It leaves out the parts ie when boxers are not fighting, the action is slower and the close up gives more dramatic and intimate expression. It helps to keep the attention of the audience.



5) Who is the cinematographer for the film Apocalypse Now, and what is his philosophy?
The cinematographer of the ,,Apocalypse Now’’ is Vittorio Storaro. His work methodology is like poetry and he uses light and colour to express himself. To present his vision and meaning he uses different kind of lights: sharp, soft, warm, cold, artificial, natural.


See “Visions Of Light, The Art Of Cinematography” Arnold Glassman

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