Movies with great cinematography

ship of theseus (2013) by Anand Gandhi = very nice compositions and framing

the conformist (1970) by Bernardo Bertolucci = amazing colours in this movie

also, hirokazu koreeda is pretty good.
 
Too many to mention but Black Sunday by Mario Bava (and, really, all of Bava's films) is a stand-out for black and white cinematography. This film and many others by Bava is available on Netflix streaming. Bava was an Italian cinematographer turned director with a long career in Italian cinema. He worked in the horror and "giallo" (slasher/mystery) genres in the 60's and 70's.

Another film that is breathtaking is a rare 60's giallo known as The Fifth Cord. This film put Vittorio Storaro on the map who later went on to lens Apocolypse Now and win several Oscars (but I think The Fifth Cord is still is stand-out work. Yes -- better than Apocolypse...) This film, in full, is available on Youtube (for the moment):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQgGQsQJLR4
 
I recently came across a DVD of Barry Lyndon and re watched it after having first seen it quite a few years ago. While of course I had heard the story of the famous lens used by Kubrik to film key scenes of the movie I do not believe that I ever fully appreciated how great the cinematography is in this movie. It is a pure pleasure to watch from beginning to end. Helped greatly of course by the sumptuous period sets and clothing used - the latter were prepared according to Kubrik's specification. That is to say, authentic in every respect. One thing I noticed specifically were the colours. It is my impression that the red coats worn by the British for example were dyed using original plant based dyes, the movie being set in the era before the much more vivid artificial dyes became available. This kind of detail adds to the air of authenticity of the movie and helps make it great. It also demonstrates the old adage that "genius is the infinite capacity for taking pains". (Or in Kubrik's case, for being a pain - he was very particular and demanding! :^) )
 
Just subscribed to this thread. What a great resource for 'films to watch' next time I'm faced with the decision.

Anyhow I'd like to contribute two of my favorites both directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Both comedies that are a must-see with subs (so put on your reading glasses). Cinematography is great. They both have a 'Jeunet' signature look about them. See for yourself.

Micmacs
http://youtu.be/TjKW0tG7I8s

The Delicatessen.
http://youtu.be/Tg3V8HDK5go
 
CJoyner said:
"The Road To Perdition" (Colour): Mendes
Click to expand...

I was going to suggest this one too. I was really amazed by the cinematography.

Another one that may not have been the best of movies (understatement) but which I thought has very nice cinematography is The Equalizer (M Fiore). I find that Fiore uses the camera in several scenes almost as one would a still camera.
 
My current favorite for both the cinematography, the setting, and the story is definitely "Midnight in Paris"
 
you people are amazing, this thread will be my future reference!!
one I'd like to mention, 'Night on Earth' directed by Jim Jarmusch, cinematographer Frederick Elmes, music Tom Waits
 
I just watched Sunset Boulevard last night, which reminded me that it is an amazingly well lit and shot film.
 
I second daveleo's vote for Elvira Madigan - just a sumptuous delight. For beginners I'd add (apart from those already mentioned, especially Lawrence of Arabia, The Third Man, Apocalypse Now, Sunset Boulevard and L'Avventura) the following (and apologies if they've already been mentioned):

Red Desert
L'Eclisse (especially that incredible last nine minutes - wow!)
La Luna (early Bertolucci)
The Elephant Man

There really are far too many to mention. Suffice it to say that keeping a keen eye on the cinematography of (especially) great movies can only serve to enhance your eye for visual coherence.
 
"She Wore a Yellow Ribbon."
Inspired by the color palette of Frederick Remington.
Winton Hoch won an Oscar for the thunderstorm scene.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted by aperture64 View Post
Ida. Best cinematography in a long time. Every shot is like a still photograph.
Click to expand...

That is what I found distracting about that movie.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom