The best lighting you've seen...
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dmitriandsnow
Well-known member
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
I quote Tyler on Road to Perdition as one of my most favorite films shot by Conrad Hall. I think nothing is on that level in terms of cinematography. But another film i enjoyed watching as it was very beautiful was the film shot by Bruno Delbonnel, Amelie. Though i heard they did a lot of post work on that one so still Road to Perdition is my favorite.
I quote Tyler on Road to Perdition as one of my most favorite films shot by Conrad Hall. I think nothing is on that level in terms of cinematography. But another film i enjoyed watching as it was very beautiful was the film shot by Bruno Delbonnel, Amelie. Though i heard they did a lot of post work on that one so still Road to Perdition is my favorite.
Cheesesailor77
Veteran
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
true about amelie, but Im sure, positive, there was a **** load of post on Perdition as well.
Visions of Light is a nice rental (netflix) but i wouldnt actually buy it. It cool to watch but not really helpful in anyway, there's no discussion of technique or anything like that, just a kinda of history of the cinematographer and clip after clip of well light scenes.
Unless you consider inspiration helpful, lol. But yeah if you have netflix, check in out some day
true about amelie, but Im sure, positive, there was a **** load of post on Perdition as well.
Visions of Light is a nice rental (netflix) but i wouldnt actually buy it. It cool to watch but not really helpful in anyway, there's no discussion of technique or anything like that, just a kinda of history of the cinematographer and clip after clip of well light scenes.
Unless you consider inspiration helpful, lol. But yeah if you have netflix, check in out some day
dmitriandsnow
Well-known member
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
Netflix? Pshhh what netflix... Blockbuster movie pass 20 bucks 2 dvds a day everyday, 60 dvds a month. But i doubt you will be able to get Visions of Light from blockbuster heh.
Netflix? Pshhh what netflix... Blockbuster movie pass 20 bucks 2 dvds a day everyday, 60 dvds a month. But i doubt you will be able to get Visions of Light from blockbuster heh.
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
Yeah, but that Blockbuster deal is $25, and it means you actually have to drive to the store, and that you're limited to the selection they have. Give me Netflix any day...
Yeah, but that Blockbuster deal is $25, and it means you actually have to drive to the store, and that you're limited to the selection they have. Give me Netflix any day...
Cheesesailor77
Veteran
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
yep, for me, it's all about selection. My dad has the blockbuster deal, and believe me I understand how cool it is to rent 2 movies watch them and then go get to more the same day, but again being limited to only one location has pissed me off way more than once.
Plus, and this is difficult to understand if you havnt used netflix, but the way they recommend movies that other ppl rented, or similer movies, the way every movie is fan rated and sorted by rating, how organized the whole site is, plus the ability to simply make a huge long list of movies u wanna rent even if ur list is so long it'll take years to get through. Because of these features I've rented so many films Ive either never heard of or was interested in but had long forgoten to see. This alone is why everyone should subscribe with netflix.
...ok, sry, back to lights. (Im a fanbow so I'll have to say any and all of Fincher's work. Amazing!)
yep, for me, it's all about selection. My dad has the blockbuster deal, and believe me I understand how cool it is to rent 2 movies watch them and then go get to more the same day, but again being limited to only one location has pissed me off way more than once.
Plus, and this is difficult to understand if you havnt used netflix, but the way they recommend movies that other ppl rented, or similer movies, the way every movie is fan rated and sorted by rating, how organized the whole site is, plus the ability to simply make a huge long list of movies u wanna rent even if ur list is so long it'll take years to get through. Because of these features I've rented so many films Ive either never heard of or was interested in but had long forgoten to see. This alone is why everyone should subscribe with netflix.
...ok, sry, back to lights. (Im a fanbow so I'll have to say any and all of Fincher's work. Amazing!)
Stas_Tagios
Well-known member
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
Days of Heaven - Nestor Almendros, DP (and Haskell Wexler taking over when Almendros had to leave for another movie)
McCabe & Mrs. Miller - Vilmos Zsigmond, DP
Citizen Kane - Gregg Toland, DP
Days of Heaven - Nestor Almendros, DP (and Haskell Wexler taking over when Almendros had to leave for another movie)
McCabe & Mrs. Miller - Vilmos Zsigmond, DP
Citizen Kane - Gregg Toland, DP
Beat Takeshi
Two-Hip Shakur
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
Ones that stand out in my mind is "Chocolate' ", Seven, Monsters Ball, Amelie, and the stop action film from brothers Quay "the street of Crocodiles"
Ones that stand out in my mind is "Chocolate' ", Seven, Monsters Ball, Amelie, and the stop action film from brothers Quay "the street of Crocodiles"
J_Barnes
Veteran
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
[quote author=Cheesesailor77 link=board=lighting;num=1090535556;start=15#22 date=07/25/04 at 16:09:29]Visions of Light is a nice rental (netflix) but i wouldnt actually buy it. It cool to watch but not really helpful in anyway, there's no discussion of technique or anything like that, just a kinda of history of the cinematographer and clip after clip of well light scenes.[/quote]
Obviously I wouldn't agree with you, as I own this DVD.
It's great for inspiration, and that's been one of the most useful methods of learning for me: seeing a scene and then trying to use my knowledge of lighting to duplicate portions of it, or strive to suggest an homage to a particular DP's style.
It's a film history documentary rather then a technical DVD, and that's what it should be seen as. I was once young and brash with little tolerance for history, but in retrospect I've grown to understand how much film lighting in general is based on the work of past cinematographers.
I can watch almost any film now and see the DP tipping his hat to any number of cinematographers from history, sometimes even duplicating setups, camera movements, and color schemes from films included in the visions of light dvd.
[quote author=Cheesesailor77 link=board=lighting;num=1090535556;start=15#22 date=07/25/04 at 16:09:29]Visions of Light is a nice rental (netflix) but i wouldnt actually buy it. It cool to watch but not really helpful in anyway, there's no discussion of technique or anything like that, just a kinda of history of the cinematographer and clip after clip of well light scenes.[/quote]
Obviously I wouldn't agree with you, as I own this DVD.
It's great for inspiration, and that's been one of the most useful methods of learning for me: seeing a scene and then trying to use my knowledge of lighting to duplicate portions of it, or strive to suggest an homage to a particular DP's style.
It's a film history documentary rather then a technical DVD, and that's what it should be seen as. I was once young and brash with little tolerance for history, but in retrospect I've grown to understand how much film lighting in general is based on the work of past cinematographers.
I can watch almost any film now and see the DP tipping his hat to any number of cinematographers from history, sometimes even duplicating setups, camera movements, and color schemes from films included in the visions of light dvd.
Cheesesailor77
Veteran
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
sure, like i said ppl should see it, but i just think like most things, if u can rent it first, u should.
I still found it interesting and worth watching. I saw it on television a think about 2 years ago and then i decided to rent it again a few months ago. To get of the topic of light, I just personally feel that as a film, as a documentary, it wasnt that strong, i didn't feel i got alot out of it. It felt more like a clip show.
The very ear;y history is interesting especially the the introducvtion of sound, and I was exposed to many movies I'd never heard of that look gorgeous, but I still think that the art and artists of cinematography are intersting enough for a better film than this.
But considering this is what we got, eberyone shoudl still check it out, hell o buy it if you want, I'm happy with renting from netflix if i need to see it again.
k, back to lighting ;D
sure, like i said ppl should see it, but i just think like most things, if u can rent it first, u should.
I still found it interesting and worth watching. I saw it on television a think about 2 years ago and then i decided to rent it again a few months ago. To get of the topic of light, I just personally feel that as a film, as a documentary, it wasnt that strong, i didn't feel i got alot out of it. It felt more like a clip show.
The very ear;y history is interesting especially the the introducvtion of sound, and I was exposed to many movies I'd never heard of that look gorgeous, but I still think that the art and artists of cinematography are intersting enough for a better film than this.
But considering this is what we got, eberyone shoudl still check it out, hell o buy it if you want, I'm happy with renting from netflix if i need to see it again.
k, back to lighting ;D
mauidigitalprod
New member
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
Newbie here!
Great topic!
Some of the movies that have influenced some of my own scenes:
THE YEARLING- The lighting in this movie is nothing short of incredible. If you want to learn how to light and shoot your movie, watch this one.
GONE WITH THE WIND- Another lighting masterpiece considering when it was made. Amazing what they could do with the technology they had back then. Still holds up today.
THE OUTSIDERS- There are a couple of scenes that harken back to the golden era of Hollywood. Two scenes that come to mind is the scene where Pony Boy and Johnny wake up early at the church and are standing outside and Pony Boy recites the Robert Frost poem. Breathtaking! Then the scene where Pony Boy and Two-Bit are talking to Cherry Valance at sunset, before the rumble.
Rocky- The opening scene where Rocky is fighting Spider is awesome. Dark, yet powerful. Sets the whole mood of the movie.
The Godfather I and II- Again, F.F. Coppola brings back classic Hollywood. The last scene in GF-II where Michael is sitting in the chair contemplating his life looks like it was shot in the 1940's.
Nothing new has caught my eye in recent years. Everything is lost in a sea of CGI. I am convinced the art of lighting is gone from Hollywood. Once again, it looks like it is up to us, the independents to keep the art of lighting alive.
Newbie here!
Great topic!
Some of the movies that have influenced some of my own scenes:
THE YEARLING- The lighting in this movie is nothing short of incredible. If you want to learn how to light and shoot your movie, watch this one.
GONE WITH THE WIND- Another lighting masterpiece considering when it was made. Amazing what they could do with the technology they had back then. Still holds up today.
THE OUTSIDERS- There are a couple of scenes that harken back to the golden era of Hollywood. Two scenes that come to mind is the scene where Pony Boy and Johnny wake up early at the church and are standing outside and Pony Boy recites the Robert Frost poem. Breathtaking! Then the scene where Pony Boy and Two-Bit are talking to Cherry Valance at sunset, before the rumble.
Rocky- The opening scene where Rocky is fighting Spider is awesome. Dark, yet powerful. Sets the whole mood of the movie.
The Godfather I and II- Again, F.F. Coppola brings back classic Hollywood. The last scene in GF-II where Michael is sitting in the chair contemplating his life looks like it was shot in the 1940's.
Nothing new has caught my eye in recent years. Everything is lost in a sea of CGI. I am convinced the art of lighting is gone from Hollywood. Once again, it looks like it is up to us, the independents to keep the art of lighting alive.
J_Barnes
Veteran
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
[quote author=Cheesesailor77 link=board=lighting;num=1090535556;start=15#29 date=07/29/04 at 17:33:48]sure, like i said ppl should see it, but i just think like most things, if u can rent it first, u should.
I still found it interesting and worth watching. I saw it on television a think about 2 years ago and then i decided to rent it again a few months ago. To get of the topic of light, I just personally feel that as a film, as a documentary, it wasnt that strong, i didn't feel i got alot out of it. It felt more like a clip show.
The very ear;y history is interesting especially the the introducvtion of sound, and I was exposed to many movies I'd never heard of that look gorgeous, but I still think that the art and artists of cinematography are intersting enough for a better film than this.
But considering this is what we got, eberyone shoudl still check it out, hell o buy it if you want, I'm happy with renting from netflix if i need to see it again.
k, back to lighting ;D[/quote]
Yeah, I guess I see your point.
It does serve as a good lighting highlight reel, almost like a visual "recomended watching" list for lighting enthusiasts.
I'd recomend that people who aren't as well versed in cinematography should spend some time on IMDB, researching cinematographers.
For example, a couple of people here have mentioned films that Conrad Hall shot, but they might not be aware of his body of work, ranging from "Cool Hand Luke" to "American Beauty"
Look up people like: Conrad Hall, Vittorio Storaro, Jordan Cronenweth, Roger Deakins, László Kovács.
Some people might be surprised at the other films these guys have done.
I learned a lot about who I like by just researching the films I like and letting that lead me to their other work.
[quote author=Cheesesailor77 link=board=lighting;num=1090535556;start=15#29 date=07/29/04 at 17:33:48]sure, like i said ppl should see it, but i just think like most things, if u can rent it first, u should.
I still found it interesting and worth watching. I saw it on television a think about 2 years ago and then i decided to rent it again a few months ago. To get of the topic of light, I just personally feel that as a film, as a documentary, it wasnt that strong, i didn't feel i got alot out of it. It felt more like a clip show.
The very ear;y history is interesting especially the the introducvtion of sound, and I was exposed to many movies I'd never heard of that look gorgeous, but I still think that the art and artists of cinematography are intersting enough for a better film than this.
But considering this is what we got, eberyone shoudl still check it out, hell o buy it if you want, I'm happy with renting from netflix if i need to see it again.
k, back to lighting ;D[/quote]
Yeah, I guess I see your point.
It does serve as a good lighting highlight reel, almost like a visual "recomended watching" list for lighting enthusiasts.
I'd recomend that people who aren't as well versed in cinematography should spend some time on IMDB, researching cinematographers.
For example, a couple of people here have mentioned films that Conrad Hall shot, but they might not be aware of his body of work, ranging from "Cool Hand Luke" to "American Beauty"
Look up people like: Conrad Hall, Vittorio Storaro, Jordan Cronenweth, Roger Deakins, László Kovács.
Some people might be surprised at the other films these guys have done.
I learned a lot about who I like by just researching the films I like and letting that lead me to their other work.
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
[quote author=J_Barnes link=board=lighting;num=1090535556;start=30#31 date=07/30/04 at 05:57:09]
For example, a couple of people here have mentioned films that Conrad Hall shot, but they might not be aware of his body of work, ranging from "Cool Hand Luke" to "American Beauty"[/quote]
Yeah, but I still think his best looking movie was Road to Perdition.
[quote author=J_Barnes link=board=lighting;num=1090535556;start=30#31 date=07/30/04 at 05:57:09]
For example, a couple of people here have mentioned films that Conrad Hall shot, but they might not be aware of his body of work, ranging from "Cool Hand Luke" to "American Beauty"[/quote]
Yeah, but I still think his best looking movie was Road to Perdition.
J_Barnes
Veteran
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
[quote author=TylerGred link=board=lighting;num=1090535556;start=30#33 date=07/30/04 at 07:49:00]
Yeah, but I still think his best looking movie was Road to Perdition.[/quote]
I'm partial to "In Cold Blood"...although "Searching for Bobby Fisher" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" have a special place in my heart as well.
For me, road to perdition was beautiful, but the choice they made for the ending pretty much ruined the suspention of disbelief and tained the entire film for me.
It is a lovely looking film though.
[quote author=TylerGred link=board=lighting;num=1090535556;start=30#33 date=07/30/04 at 07:49:00]
Yeah, but I still think his best looking movie was Road to Perdition.[/quote]
I'm partial to "In Cold Blood"...although "Searching for Bobby Fisher" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" have a special place in my heart as well.
For me, road to perdition was beautiful, but the choice they made for the ending pretty much ruined the suspention of disbelief and tained the entire film for me.
It is a lovely looking film though.
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
Oh yeah, well I'm not talking about the story. To be honest, I didn't care for the story all to well. It was good, but it didn't have me grasped. Usually I watch a film and if I'm in love with the story I often miss the technical aspects of it. It isn't until I watch it a few more times that I grasp the technical aspects such as look, shots, color, lighting, etc. With Road to Perdition it is completely opposite. The first time I watched it I really had no idea what the story was about because I was so drawn into the look of each shot. And still am to this very day....
Oh yeah, well I'm not talking about the story. To be honest, I didn't care for the story all to well. It was good, but it didn't have me grasped. Usually I watch a film and if I'm in love with the story I often miss the technical aspects of it. It isn't until I watch it a few more times that I grasp the technical aspects such as look, shots, color, lighting, etc. With Road to Perdition it is completely opposite. The first time I watched it I really had no idea what the story was about because I was so drawn into the look of each shot. And still am to this very day....
dmitriandsnow
Well-known member
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
"For me, road to perdition was beautiful, but the choice they made for the ending pretty much ruined the suspention of disbelief and tained the entire film for me. "I assume you mean suspension, if so i do not understand what you mean by "suspension of disbelief"? Could you follow up on that?
Well the reason why i am interested is because this is a favorite film of mine and i find the ending not only beautiful (especially the move out shot in the house of white walls) but also i think it was completely reasonable and very understandable. Suspense in the "i will shoot" (last scene) sequence fools you good which i thought put a nice stamp on the story. The man did not want his son to be alike.
Love it...
"For me, road to perdition was beautiful, but the choice they made for the ending pretty much ruined the suspention of disbelief and tained the entire film for me. "I assume you mean suspension, if so i do not understand what you mean by "suspension of disbelief"? Could you follow up on that?
Well the reason why i am interested is because this is a favorite film of mine and i find the ending not only beautiful (especially the move out shot in the house of white walls) but also i think it was completely reasonable and very understandable. Suspense in the "i will shoot" (last scene) sequence fools you good which i thought put a nice stamp on the story. The man did not want his son to be alike.
Love it...
filmmaker58
Well-known member
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
When I think back to a movie where the lighting struck me as extraordinary, i realize that it was because it drew attention to itself, and away from the story. i realize that if I'm really into a movie I don't notice how amazing the lighting is until I've seen it a second time. There have been some great examples here, but LEGEND comes to mind as a film with lighting that was better than the movie.
When I think back to a movie where the lighting struck me as extraordinary, i realize that it was because it drew attention to itself, and away from the story. i realize that if I'm really into a movie I don't notice how amazing the lighting is until I've seen it a second time. There have been some great examples here, but LEGEND comes to mind as a film with lighting that was better than the movie.
J_Barnes
Veteran
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
[quote author=warmstepvision link=board=lighting;num=1090535556;start=30#36 date=07/30/04 at 23:25:47]"For me, road to perdition was beautiful, but the choice they made for the ending pretty much ruined the suspention of disbelief and tained the entire film for me. "I assume you mean suspension, if so i do not understand what you mean by "suspension of disbelief"? Could you follow up on that?
Well the reason why i am interested is because this is a favorite film of mine and i find the ending not only beautiful (especially the move out shot in the house of white walls) but also i think it was completely reasonable and very understandable. Suspense in the "i will shoot" (last scene) sequence fools you good which i thought put a nice stamp on the story. The man did not want his son to be alike.
Love it...
[/quote]
I'll PM you, because I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't watched the film yet.
[quote author=warmstepvision link=board=lighting;num=1090535556;start=30#36 date=07/30/04 at 23:25:47]"For me, road to perdition was beautiful, but the choice they made for the ending pretty much ruined the suspention of disbelief and tained the entire film for me. "I assume you mean suspension, if so i do not understand what you mean by "suspension of disbelief"? Could you follow up on that?
Well the reason why i am interested is because this is a favorite film of mine and i find the ending not only beautiful (especially the move out shot in the house of white walls) but also i think it was completely reasonable and very understandable. Suspense in the "i will shoot" (last scene) sequence fools you good which i thought put a nice stamp on the story. The man did not want his son to be alike.
Love it...
[/quote]
I'll PM you, because I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't watched the film yet.
Mike_Donis
Veteran
Re: The best lighting you've seen...
I agree, J_Barnes, that the ending lacked in Road to Perdition.
Not to the degree that I'd say it ruined the film for me, but it felt forced...
I agree, J_Barnes, that the ending lacked in Road to Perdition.
Not to the degree that I'd say it ruined the film for me, but it felt forced...