moving image part 2 - Cinematography

1. What is the role of the cinematographer in film making?

Cinematographer is also directed as director of photography in the  movie set-up. He/she is a chief of a camera and lighting crews, he/she is responsible for achieving artistic and technical decisions relating to achieving certain results in the image.

2. Why did director Roman Polanski insist on using hand held camera in the film Chinatown?

He insisted on using hand held cameras in order to achieve more intimate image and also get the camera to the places where other video makers couldn’t before. His images would also look more spontaneous as the actors would look more natural, this would make the viewer more involved in the movie, making them feel like they are part of it themselves.

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

“Days of Heaven” (1978) – It was shot mostly at time when sun has just set or just before it has risen, which means there was no sun on the sky at all. This was director’s requirement; during that time there is also certain quality of colour. This made the movie feel more romantic, dreamlike and enchanted.

"Days of Heaven"

4. In the film Raging Bull why was the fight scene filmed at different speeds?

Fighting scene at “Raging Bull” was filmed at different speeds in order to achieve two different meanings and points of view to the fight. The real time action, showed how fighting is portrayed by people, while the slow motion moments show more emotional side to the same scene, showing the views of how the actual fighter might feel and what real effects it has on him. This sort of idea let the viewer get more involved with the boxer who gets beaten. It also makes the movie look more dramatic. The close up slow motion shots show the impact of the hit.

"Raging Bull"

5. Who is the cinematographer for the film Apocalypse Now, and what is his philosophy? 

Vittorio Storaro who is regarded as one of top cinematographers in the world. His philosophy was based on Color Theory by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, in which Wolfgang questioned Newton’s ideas of light and colour. According the Wolfgang different colours have different affect on our brain’s perception and have influences on people and situations.