I’ve always been a fan of the old Bob Newhart Show from the early ’70’s.  His dry delivery and deadpan wit used to crack me up as a kid, and I’m pleased the effect has lasted well beyond that period.  Photographically, it was lit like the inside of your refrigerator, but it was never meant … Continue reading “DISPATCH FROM THE ODDITIES DEPARTMENT…”

            Nine years old today and still killing it like a pup!             Note well: No form of AI was used in the creation of this photograph. 😉

            Charles G. Clarke, ASC…Arthur Miller, ASC…Gregg Toland, ASC…James Wong Howe, ASC…  These were some of the giants of cinematography during the Studio Era.             In no way is this meant to be disparaging, but William C. Thompson would never be mistaken as one of them.  I’m shocked he was invited to ASC membership, especially … Continue reading “WILLIAM C. THOMPSON, ASC”

            The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations were announced this week, and let’s be frank, there are so many of them that it’s easy for the important ones to get lost in the pile.  To thwart that probability, I’m doing my part by listing the cinematographers who made the grade.  They all delivered superlative work … Continue reading “2026 EMMY NOMINATIONS”

We’ve all met genuine characters in our lives, but I know one who tops them all.             For starters, he’s the sole beneficiary of a generous passive income, not to mention free health insurance, twenty-four-hour-a-day chauffeur service and an endless, complementary supply of food – which, of course – is prepared by a personal chef … Continue reading “WHAT A GUY! WHAT A LIFE!”

I remember the Bicentennial year of 1976 very clearly.             What a fantastic time to have experienced!             The present moment?  For reasons I won’t get into…let’s just say it’s not quite the same.             Nonetheless, the U.S. remains the greatest country the world will ever know.             And I am so thankful to have … Continue reading “HAPPY 250th, AMERICA!”

         With the Fourth of July a few days away, it’s appropriate to have a look at what had to have been the biggest firecracker of its time.  As part of the Tumbler-Snapper series of nuclear tests, this bomb was detonated above the Nevada desert in 1952.  The image was captured one millisecond after the … Continue reading “RAPATRONIC RAP”

So much has been said about this movie since its release in theaters on May 15; I won’t bore you with the rehash.             But forget whatever you’ve heard, good or bad.  Just go see it!             Beyond its amazingly sophisticated levels of craft and artistry, I was most impressed by the way its creators … Continue reading “OBSESSION (2026)”

Back in the pre-internet ’80’s when I was still figuring out the cinematography game, I recall employing a professional “bookfinder” to locate this amazing volume.  Since it was impossible to find in any bookstore, I discovered his services through an ad in the Sunday New York Times Book Review.  I don’t remember the guy’s name, … Continue reading “A RARE NUGGET”