The overused 'Milky Black Look' by Roberto Cimatti, AIC

I agree. I think the Milky look is way overused. I also think that a digital piece graded that way is kind to the digital image acquired, especially when it's done with color saturation pulled way down. I don't find it all that filmic. I think good contrast is filmic.

The technique of flashing film, as Roizman did in Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 was necessary to get any detail in the blacks in the subway tunnels but what was the ASA on that film? 100? Maybe that's what they're going for. I personally like film stock from the 90s or modern stock. Deep inky black.

Trying to acheive detail in the shadows is more about good contrast ratios in shooting.
 
It could be argued anything is overused the very moment it's used wherever it's unmotivated... as the article says, "Great cinematography happens when purposeful choices are made by the DP and Director in order to serve the story in best way possible."

With shrinking budgets, I'd wager that many such 'stylistic' decisions are made out of simple expediency to get the job done 'ok' instead of 'great'. If you're only being paid a half day's rate for two days of work, it's easy to make far less 'purposeful' choices.
 
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