Day\Exterior… Tom Hanks’ character of Walter Fielding has set off a Rube Goldberg-like chain of destruction at the renovation site of what is to be his and his wife’s dream house. Find it at 01:01:29 on the DVD… Notice Willis’ use of the Molefay Par 9-Light (fay light) for fill. The 9-light fay … Continue reading “LIGHTING DIAGRAM #27 – THE MONEY PIT”
Month: January 2021
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”
LIGHTING DIAGRAM #26 – THE MONEY PIT
Shelley Long’s character of Anna Crowley has hitched a ride home in the cab of a huge semi-truck. Find it at 00:52:50 on the DVD… Night\exterior, front lit by a single unit aimed directly at the subject from camera position…an unusual choice from one of the world’s greatest cinematographers. But there was indeed … Continue reading “LIGHTING DIAGRAM #26 – THE MONEY PIT”
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”
LIGHTING DIAGRAM #25 – THE MONEY PIT
Here’s a good example of Gordon Willis’ use of the bay light. This unit had been around the industry in a variety of configurations and names (‘coop’ lights, soft boxes, etc) for decades until he saved it from obscurity during the shooting of The Godfather in 1971. Find this scene at the 0:32:06 … Continue reading “LIGHTING DIAGRAM #25 – THE MONEY PIT”
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…”
LIGHTING DIAGRAM #24 – THE MONEY PIT
I initially planned to begin posting another cinematography giant’s lighting diagrams this week, but a glance over The Money Pit batch changed my mind. This was a different kind of film for Gordon Willis, ASC, a full-on comedy that called for a much softer touch than the one used for Presumed Innocent’s murder mystery. … Continue reading “LIGHTING DIAGRAM #24 – THE MONEY PIT”
THE 7 MOST DEPRESSING FILMS OF ALL TIME
I was speaking with the legendary Conrad Hall, ASC a few years before he passed away and he was bemoaning the lack of serious films being made at the time. There was always fun to be had watching popcorn movies he admitted, but occasionally we need to see something with a little more substance. … Continue reading “THE 7 MOST DEPRESSING FILMS OF ALL TIME”
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”