"With deep humanity and an instinctive genius for natural light and spatial relationships, [Robby] Müller created a cinematic authenticity and empathy that bound audiences and characters," wrote American Cinematographer earlier this month after the passing of the legendary cinematographer.
The so-called "Master of Light" indeed foregrounded his shots with humanity, using a minimalist approach to keep the focus on the characters. Müller's camera was a window to the soul.
Johnny Depp in Jim Jarmusch's 'Dead Man.'
Through his many collaborations with Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch, Lars von Trier, and other directors across more than 100 projects, the Dutch cinematographer helped bring to life hundreds of iconic faces, in all their emotive permutations. His inventive use of light was informed by a deep understanding of its nuances and constant fluctuations.
A new supercut from American Cinematographer surveys some of Müller's most memorable compositions, from Breaking the Waves' tragic anti-heroine Bess McNeill (Emily Watson) to the sultry Jane (Nastassja Kinski ) in Paris, Texas to the monochromatic William Blake (Johnny Depp) of Dead Man. To watch the video, click through to Vimeo here.
