Remember When 'The Sopranos' Ushered in the Cinematic Aesthetic on Television?
TV used to be about pointing and shooting, until The Sopranos came along.
The late 90s and early 2000s saw a change in television. We entered the start of another golden era, where complicated characters, darker narratives, and arresting visuals were allowed to come to the small screen and change the way we watched. It's fitting that HBO spearheaded this shift, with its slogan, "It's not TV, it's HBO," which wound up defining the new era.
Perhaps the most popular and most influential title to premiere on the network at the time was The Sopranos, a show about a hardened gangster with a family, a new therapist, and a soft spot for the ducks in his backyard.
Outside of the groundbreaking content and deconstruction of the gangster genre, the show changed the way we viewed cinematography on television. It took away the standard angles and instead felt much more cinematic. Like we were watching an hour-long gangster film each week.
Check out the video from The Beauty Of about the cinematic shots from The Sopranos, and let's talk after the jump.
Remember When The Sopranos Ushered in the Cinematic Aesthetic on Television?
Series creator David Chase was someone who worked on many network shows like The Rockford Files before he changed the landscape of TV with his ornery New Jersey family. He wanted to explore a character that felt like they could never be seen on TV. A ruthless villain who was out of shape and had anger issues, but found some vulnerability in his mind.
The basis for the cinematic language of The Sopranos lies within the genre. We get specific allusions to things like The Godfather, White Heat, and Goodfellas, as well as The Public Enemy. But it's not direct homage, it's a pastiche of these projects, allowing the show to make a play on Tony's relationship with his mother and even the backroom scenes that made The Godfather so famous.
To make the series come to life, he worked with directors of photography Phil Abraham, Alik Sakharov, and William Coleman to certify certain aesthetics and homages to the great gangster pieces from the past. Together, they shaped different seasons and shots to make the entire series feel cohesive and singular.
There were dozens of iconic episode directors across the series, like Timothy Van Patten, John Patterson, Allen Coulter, Alan Taylor, Henry Bronchtein, Jack Bender, Steve Buscemi, Daniel Attias, David Chase, Nick Gomez, Matthew Penn, Lorraine Senna, Andy Wolk, Martin Bruestle, Lee Tamahori, James Hayman, Peter Bogdanovich, Mike Figgis, Rodrigo García, Danny Leiner, David Nutter, Steve Shill, Phil Abraham, and Terence Winter.
All of them had to work within the aesthetic established, but they were also given some leeway to experiment and even to shoot callbacks from previous episodes. Little did they know the effort they were putting in would change TV for all time. Now, people want to see shows that have a cinematic quality. Audiences want to feel like budget and value are extended to every episode in every season. They want to see shows take chances on angles, edits, and movement.
One of the things I most admired about the show was its use of patterns. Showing Tony sitting and looking at something, versus Carmela. Or shooting him from an aerial shot and repeating that later. There were also so many slow dollies in and out, taking us into someone's life, and when they got whacked, out of it. We also did a lot of close-ups on eyes. The show opens that way and closes that way, with Tony facing fate.
Altogether, this cinematography changed the way we viewed television. It could be something more than we expected. And every show after had to address how they could continue on in the cinematic tradition as well.
What are some of your favorite shots from the TV series? Let us know in the comments.
Source: The Beauty Of
10 Storytelling and Directing Tips Inspired by Akira Kurosawa
Learn from one of the greatest directors of all time.
In the pantheon of cinematic greats, Akira Kurosawa stands as a towering figure, a master storyteller whose influence transcends time and borders. His works, characterized by their epic narratives, exquisite visuals, and emotional depth, continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.
Kurosawa's unique approach to directing and storytelling has become a subject of study and admiration. As we explore the wisdom distilled from his illustrious career, we find timeless lessons that go beyond the confines of genre and culture. These principles serve not only as a blueprint for aspiring directors but also as a testament to Kurosawa's enduring legacy in the art of filmmaking.
The Humanistic Cinema of Akira Kurosawawww.youtube.com
1. Trust Your Gut
'Rashomon'
Credit: Everett Collection
Kurosawa emphasized the importance of a director's intuition. This suggests that when faced with creative decisions, it’s often valuable to listen to your gut feeling. This could mean choosing an unconventional shot or narrative direction that feels right, even if it challenges traditional methods or the opinions of collaborators.
2. Study The Masters
Akira Kurosawa working with a cinema camera on the set of
Credit: BFI
By examining the works of great directors, one can learn various aspects of filmmaking, such as shot composition, pacing, and storytelling.
Kurosawa himself was influenced by filmmakers like John Ford and Jean Renoir and believed in the value of understanding their techniques to refine his own work.
3. Collaborate With Your Actors
Credit: BFI
Actors bring characters to life, and Kurosawa believed in giving them space for interpretation. This includes working closely with them, understanding their perspective, and allowing them to bring their own creativity to their roles, which can result in more authentic and compelling performances.
4. Planning is Paramount
Akira Kurosawa's manual splicing
Credit:
Detailed planning and storyboarding were key to Kurosawa’s approach. He would often sketch out every shot before filming.
This level of preparation ensures that every visual element serves the story and can help in executing complex scenes more efficiently.
5. It's all in the Details
Akira Kurosawa on the set of ‘Yojimbo’
Credit: Film Magazine
In Kurosawa’s view, the minutiae of a film—such as the costumes, set design, and props—were crucial in creating a believable world.
Attention to these details helps to immerse the audience and can subtly enhance the storytelling.
6. It's Okay to be Silent
'Throne of Blood'
Credit: Toho
Silence can be as powerful as dialogue or music. Kurosawa harnessed silence to build suspense and convey emotion, using it to draw the audience in and focus their attention on the visual storytelling.
7. Learn From Mistakes
'High and Low'
Credit: Toho
Kurosawa was not afraid to recognize his own mistakes and saw them as learning opportunities. This principle encourages a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience in the creative process.
8. Keep a Handle on Emerging Technology
'The Hidden Fortress'
Credit: Toho
Always curious about the latest developments, Kurosawa integrated new technologies into his filmmaking. This openness to innovation can lead to new ways of storytelling and can give a unique aesthetic to films.
9. Maintain Your Vision
'Dreams'
Credit: Warner Bros.
A director must have a clear vision for the film and remain true to it throughout the process. This can sometimes mean resisting studio pressure or popular trends to create a work that is authentic and personal.
10. Let Passion Guide You
'Seven Samurai'
Credit: Toho
Kurosawa’s passion for filmmaking was evident in his dedication to his craft. This principle suggests that great art comes from a place of deep commitment and enthusiasm, and that passion is infectious, often inspiring the entire cast and crew to strive for excellence.
In honoring Kuroswas's legacy, we continue the quest for storytelling that resonates, transforms, and endures. For filmmakers and storytellers looking to craft their own masterpieces, let Kurosawa's spirit guide your cinematic adventures.
May your films be as bold, as beautiful, and as profoundly human as the ones he left us.
Now go make something.