Like every great auteur, Paul Thomas Anderson boasts a distinctive cinematic style. Many elements contribute to the PTA-ness of his oeuvre, including his decisions in editing, thematic material, and deeply human characters. But one of the most distinguishing factors of all is his cinematography.

Long-time collaborator Robert Elswit has shot almost all of PTA's films. (The Master was shot by Mihai Mălaimare Jr., while PTA recently decided to shoot his upcoming project himself.) Together with Elswit, PTA has crafted a strong visual style, such that even his music videos have his name written all over them. 


A new video from StudioBinder breaks down the mechanics of some of PTA's most memorable shots, including that famous tracking shot from There Will Be Blood in which Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) runs from an oil rig explosion with his son in his arms. (Steadicam with a telephoto lens.) 

Featured image from 'Boogie Nights'