The Tracking Shot: The Moby Dick of Cinematography

The tracking shot can be defined as, "...a camera shot in which the cameraman follows a specific person or event in the action". This shot can be taken as a cameraman follows the action and/or person on a dolly, or on a steady-cam, a handheld camera which creates a smooth aperture ratio during filming to…

Story-telling in Cinematography: Drive

This past week in class, we discussed the art of story-telling through pictures. Professor Zmikly made a point in explaining that every good series of photos should tell a story. Cinematographers are masters of this form of art, due to the fact that their sculpted shots must be necessary and further add to the story…

Film Cinematography Appreciation: American Psycho

How could an era so decadent and abundant turn a man into an insecure, depraved, psychopathic killer? These are the questions asked and explored through the lens of Mary Harron in American Psycho; developed from the acclaimed novel by Bret Easton Ellis, Harron showcases famous method-trained actor, Christian Bale, as Patrick Bateman. It's 1986 and Patrick…

Blog Review: Joey Galvan’s Horror Film Blog is Essential

Not many people these days can appreciate the true artistry behind cult horror, which peaked in the 70's throughout the 80's. Joey Galvan's Horror Film Blog, which he dubs as "essential horror films", explores some of these films with a passionate voice. What drew me to Joey's blog were our similarities in upbringing, as Joey…

Body Language, Lines and Costume Design: We Can Tell Who You Hate

In my second post, while exploring the use of natural light in Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon, I mentioned that we would be able to dissect the use of body language, body lines and their costumes later. Cinematography has the color,the lenses and light, but it also goes much deeper than those things, there is more aesthetic…

Color Theory: Why That Blue Scene Makes You Feel Blue

The most identifiable trait of Cinematography is the color. Sure there are tracking shots (yes, we will get to that), styled lenses and intentional lighting tricks to convey a message for the viewer of a film. However, the most influential aspect proves to be the colors used consistently throughout a movie, which make some great…

Barry Lyndon: A Picturesque Achievement of Natural Light

I could go on and on about my appreciation and admiration for acclaimed film director Stanley Kubrick, whom I often cite as my favorite director. Kubrick's obsessive nature and obscure vision set him apart from his peers by always pushing boundaries and finding new, authentic ways to interpret a film for a viewer. Barry Lyndon…

Welcome to My World

When people consider their favorite aspects of a film, they usually discuss the directing, acting, film score, or action stunts. What most don't realize is that the reason the directing ties in so well with an actor's presence, or why a film's score connects beautifully with a well pictured shot, is all thanks to the…