Josef von Sternberg (1894-1969) was a director whose career stretched from the silent era well into talkies.  Though he made many memorable films, he’s primarily remembered for his collaboration with Marlene Dietrich while the actress was at the top of her game.  Among the features they made together are Morocco (1930), Shanghai Express (1932), Blonde … Continue reading “JOSEF VON STERNBERG”

Legendary Swedish cinematographer Sven Nykvist (1922-2006) collaborated with equally noted director Ingmar Bergman on dozens of features and television productions over the course of his nearly sixty-year career.  To blithely sum up their relationship as an intimate one would be to miss the trait that drove both men to do their best work together.             … Continue reading “NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL PASSION…”

Patty Armacost has served in many capacities at the ASC, having worked for the organization since the mid-1970’s.  Her current title is Events Coordinator, but that belies her deep insight and unmatched appreciation for the membership.  During my run as President, a certain topic would often pop up in our daily conversations: Why is it … Continue reading “ON AND ON WE GO…”

            With the emphasis everyone puts on the technology side of what we do today, here are some refreshing words from Edward Weston (1886-1958).  He’s one of the giants of still photography and his work is always worth seeking out for inspiration.             “Who cares if you shoot your photos through the bottom of a … Continue reading “A SHORT ONE BEFORE THE WEEKEND”

            While watching movies over the long weekend, something I hadn’t thought about in a long time came rushing back.  For all the emphasis I put on cinematography, directing, editing and so on, there’s one thing above all that determines whether or not a movie will succeed with an audience.             You can count on … Continue reading “THE SECRET SAUCE”

            Director Fritz Lang is widely known for many enjoyable films of the studio era, among them Hangmen Also Die (1943), Ministry of Fear (1944) and The Big Heat (1953).  Most people are not aware that he was also recognized as one of the nastiest characters in Hollywood.             Feelings against him took hold from … Continue reading “SNOWFLAKES NEED NOT APPLY”

            I’m always amazed at how much geometry is involved in lighting a set.  Two simple rules will help clarify the way you think about what you’re doing.  Don’t be fooled by their simplicity…they’re based on the laws of physics.             The closer you get to a light source, the greater its intensity.             The … Continue reading “STUDENT QUICK TIP #18”

               When you’ve heard the late legendary Conrad Hall, ASC say that he was terrified, insecure and felt like a rank amateur every time he started a new film, where does that leave the rest of us?  Despite any bluster to the contrary, at heart are we really phonies, poseurs, wannabes…?             Volumes have been … Continue reading “THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT”

            I’ve referred to Haskell Wexler, ASC many times during the run of this blog, and with good reason.  Beside being a great artist, he was a most unusual man (in a good way) and I considered him a friend.  It’s a shame he’s no longer with us.  In a time during which our society … Continue reading “NEVER MINCE WORDS”

            In honor of my 200th post, I’m reintroducing an entry from December 8, 2020 (#38).  It’s quaint and amusing and should put a smile on everyone’s face!             One of the greatest producer\directors in history – indeed, a founder of the motion picture industry – Cecil B. DeMille had a soft spot in his … Continue reading “POST #200…!”