THE NETFLIX FLAVORIZER

Is it me, or does most every production currently airing on Netflix look indistinguishable from one another?             Though some show modest variations in exposure, tone and color, each one seems to have been processed through the same algorithm.  Even legacy films that we’re all familiar with exhibit similar qualities.  I suspect that HDR tech … Continue reading “THE NETFLIX FLAVORIZER”

7.25.2023

AN OLD-NEW TOY

            I recently came into possession of an old Konica telephoto stills lens (full name: Konishiroku 5 Hexanon 1 : f4.5 = 400mm).  Its provenance apparently traces to a small New England police department, but that’s as much as I know about it.  Compared to most lenses of this focal length, it’s not too big … Continue reading “AN OLD-NEW TOY”

7.21.2023

REAL, IMPORTANT HISTORY!

            Thursday will mark fifty-four years since Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the surface of the moon.  I’m sure at the time neither man could’ve imagined a greater thrill.             But the thrills weren’t left behind on the rocky surface of Tranquility Base.  In recognition of their being the first … Continue reading “REAL, IMPORTANT HISTORY!”

7.18.2023

BRANDED TO KILL (1967)

            There’s no other way to say this: Branded To Kill (Seijun Suzuki\Kazue Nagatzuka) is the weirdest, most ridiculous movie I have ever seen!             Ostensibly a gangster story, it also shows shards of the spy genre, noir, horror, science fiction and softcore porn.  I might’ve added comedy to that list, but it would’ve been … Continue reading “BRANDED TO KILL (1967)”

7.14.2023

NOW HEAR THIS!

            I occasionally talk about figures from the past, how it used to be, the way things were done or what the job was like back in the day…             Well, let me be crystal clear: I am radically living in the present moment!  Some wiseass once observed that exchanges starting with “remember when” are … Continue reading “NOW HEAR THIS!”

7.11.2023

DAY FOR NIGHT

I’ve always been a fan of day-for-night cinematography.  There has never been a better way to convincingly render expansive exterior scenes that cannot possibly be lit after sundown.  Watch any of the old John Ford westerns – in black and white or color – and you’ll see the effect in its fullest flower.  Back then, … Continue reading “DAY FOR NIGHT”

7.7.2023

VINTAGE MATERIAL

            I dug this out of the American Cinematographer archive after writing Tuesday’s post.  From the August 1961 issue, it provides a look into a little-known yet very important corner of cinematographic history… 

6.30.2023

TOUCHSTONES

When I recently saw this photo of Gemini 10, which flew in space July 18-21, 1966, I was brought back to my childhood and the time when such events were common and really set the imagination free.  The graphic form, contrast and color of the spacecraft and the earth behind it called up emotions I … Continue reading “TOUCHSTONES”

6.27.2023

JESSIE MAPLE (1937-2023)

It’s hard for me to realize that during my extensive time working in and out of New York City I never met, nor was I aware of, a woman named Jessie Maple.  I was only informed of her May 30 passing by a friend, a few days after the fact.  Following careers in bacteriology, journalism … Continue reading “JESSIE MAPLE (1937-2023)”

6.23.2023