MORE ACTOR AMAZEMENT

            There are those who claim we’re all actors in some way, but I don’t know the first thing about how to do it.  I love actors and recognize a great performance when I see one; I’ve also been privileged on many occasions to have witnessed deeply moving efforts from just a few feet away.  … Continue reading “MORE ACTOR AMAZEMENT”

1.26.2021

THE POWER OF CRAFT ISN’T LIMITED TO CINEMATOGRAPHY

            Force of Evil (1948), is a great film noir that seems to have been unjustly forgotten.  Directed by Abraham Polonsky, it has an amazing cast and features a compelling narrative that’s stylishly told.  It’s also beautifully shot by George Clemens, ASC, who went on to become the principal cinematographer on the late ’50’s-early-60’s TV … Continue reading “THE POWER OF CRAFT ISN’T LIMITED TO CINEMATOGRAPHY”

1.19.2021

ZOOM IN ON THIS…

            I’ve always been of mixed mind regarding zoom lenses, though there’s no longer any reason to be that way.  It probably goes back to my early training when their optical quality fell short of primes and cinematographers regarded them warily.  For a long time zoom choices were limited – the 1970’s and ’80’s workhorses … Continue reading “ZOOM IN ON THIS…”

1.12.2021

LIGHTING DIAGRAM #23 – THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO

            Happy New Year…!             Jeff Daniels’ character Ted Baxter (a 1930’s movie star who has stepped off the screen and into real life) tries to explain himself to several other characters.  This scene takes place in an empty church.  Find it at the 00:45:17 mark on the DVD.             This scene provides an example … Continue reading “LIGHTING DIAGRAM #23 – THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO”

1.1.2021