The other night I caught an interstitial on TCM in which two of my favorite cinematographers, the late John Alonzo, ASC and the late William A. Fraker, ASC spoke on the notion of personal style.
Neither acknowledged having one. They maintained that each script should dictate its own way of doing things, as filtered through the director’s vision. I couldn’t agree more.
Further support for that position came through a quote found in an obituary for the recently deceased Owen Roizman, ASC. He was replying to director William Friedkin, prior to being hired to shoot The French Connection (1971).
Friedkin: “…what I want it to be is a realistic, street photography sort of thing.”
Roizman: “Why not? I should be able to do anything you tell me. I’m a cinematographer.”
And just so you’ll know this sentiment isn’t restricted to the wrong side of the grass, no less an authority than Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC, CBE, has weighed in with this take on the issue:
“I have no style. I create a style for every film. You never want photography that’s too flashy. It’s all about creating a natural world. In cinematography, if something stands out, you’ve failed. You’re trying to create a seamless entity.”
If you’re early in your career, don’t waste energy by forcing your work to stand out from the crowd. Let the story be your guide. It’s a lot easier on mind and heart and will ultimately get you noticed for much better reasons!
Wonderful. Whatever style emerges over time, and often something subtle does that other cinematographers might recognize, should be organic to who you are as a person, as an observer of life and light. So don’t push to create a personal style because then it might seem affected and artificial. and more often than not, a copy of someone else.
So true, David. We all start out imitating someone else’s work. But some people never develop their own and continue in that way, which is not a good path to follow.
I couldn’t agree more with this idea and my favorite comment I’ve received has always been: “You don’t really have a style.” I was so happy to hear that. As a cinematographer you shouldn’t have a style, you should have a look for each movie you do. What’s best than using the same tools and toys, but creating a new image every time? Your goal is to create emotions, not styles.
“Point the camera at the story”. Conrad Hall.
Russ – Leave it to one of the giants to nail it right to the wall!