Film has been around for over 100 years, and television isn't that far behind. That means we've had a century of deciding how we shoot film and TV and also bucking the system over and over again.
It's this kind of reinvention and originality that keeps these mediums fresh and advances careers. Cinematography is an integral part of the filmmaking process. It sets the visual tone, conveys emotions, and enhances storytelling.
Traditionally, cinematography follows certain established rules and techniques to capture scenes in a visually appealing and coherent manner. However, there are filmmakers who dare to push the boundaries of conventional cinematography, challenging norms and exploring new artistic territories.
In this article, we will delve into the world of unconventional cinematography and explore how it has revolutionized the art of filmmaking.
Let's dive in.
'Gravity' Behind the Scenes PhotoCredit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Unconventional Cinematography: Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Norms
How do we shoot in a way that's different than everyone else? Well, you learn the form, and then you find your voice within it.
Unconventional cinematography can take many forms, ranging from experimental techniques to innovative use of camera movements, framing, and visual effects. By defying the norms, filmmakers aim to create unique visual experiences that leave a lasting impact on the audience.
Let's take a look at some examples of films that have successfully pushed the boundaries of conventional cinematography.
'Requiem for a Dream'Credit: Artisan Entertainment
Examples of Unconventional Cinematography in Movies
I honestly think the best way to learn to think outside the box is to just absorb as much material as you can that challenges your preconceived notions about the work. So let's dig into what that looks like on the film side.
Birdman (2014): Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and shot by Emmanuel Lubezki, Birdman is a cinematic marvel that appears to be one continuous take. The film follows the story of a washed-up actor attempting a comeback on Broadway. The use of long takes and hidden cuts creates a sense of urgency and immersion, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. The camera becomes a character, seamlessly weaving through the narrow backstage corridors and capturing the intense emotions of the performers. This unconventional approach earned Emmanuel Lubezki an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
Requiem for a Dream (2000): Directed by Darren Aronofsky and shot by Matthew Libatique, the movie employs a variety of innovative techniques to depict the characters' descent into addiction. Through the use of extreme close-ups, fish-eye lenses, and rapid editing, the film creates a visual frenzy that mirrors the characters' psychological state. The unconventional camera movements and distorted perspectives intensify the audience's immersion in the disturbing and chaotic world of addiction.
Children of Men (2006): Directed by Alfonso Cuarón and shot by Emmanuel Lubezki, the movie showcases a groundbreaking use of long takes and handheld camerawork. Set in a dystopian future where humanity faces infertility, the film follows a man tasked with protecting the only pregnant woman. The extended takes, some lasting over six minutes, create a sense of urgency and allow the audience to experience the chaos and desperation of the characters in real time. The film's famous car chase sequence, captured in a single take, remains one of the most impressive examples of unconventional cinematography to date.
Enter the Void (2009): Directed by Gaspar Noé and shot by Benoît Debie, this film is a hypnotic exploration of life, death, and the afterlife. The film's cinematography takes the audience on a hallucinatory journey through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, employing first-person perspectives and subjective camera movements. The unconventional use of visual effects, combined with long takes and ethereal lighting, creates a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between reality and the protagonist's drug-induced visions.
Gravity (2013): Directed by Alfonso Cuarón and shot by Emmanuel Lubezki, this movie revolutionized cinematography with its immersive and realistic portrayal of space. The film follows two astronauts stranded in orbit after their shuttle is destroyed. Through the use of long, continuous shots and simulated zero-gravity environments, the audience is transported into the vastness of space. The film's innovative cinematography, including the seamless integration of CGI, earned Emmanuel Lubezki his second Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
'Enter The Void'Credit: Wild Bunch Distribution
Examples of Unconventional Cinematography in TV
Of course, it's not just movies that shake things up inside cinematography. TV has really changed over its history, from multicam shows to single cam, to the cinematic ideas we see today. Let's look at some examples of shows that shook up the way we watch TV.
Mr. Robot (2015-2019): Created by Sam Esmail, employs a distinct visual style that reflects the show's themes of paranoia, hacking, and the dark underbelly of society. The series features unconventional framing, off-kilter compositions, and creative camera movements that disorient the viewer and enhance the psychological tension. The use of extreme close-ups and unique perspectives adds to the show's overall unsettling atmosphere, immersing the audience in the protagonist's mind.
True Detective (2014-present): An anthology crime drama created by Nic Pizzolatto, is known for its stunning cinematography that captures the atmospheric beauty and bleakness of its settings. Each season of the show features a distinct visual style, with long tracking shots, slow pans, and striking compositions that heighten the mood and immerse viewers in the dark, brooding worlds inhabited by the characters. The first season, in particular, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, garnered acclaim for its innovative use of long, uninterrupted shots.
Fargo (2014-present): Inspired by the Coen Brothers' film of the same name, presents a unique blend of dark comedy and crime drama. The series, created by Noah Hawley, showcases unconventional cinematography that adds to its offbeat charm. Through the use of vibrant colors, stylized framing, and creative camera movements, Fargo creates a visually striking and distinctive aesthetic that enhances its storytelling. The show often employs wide shots and symmetrical compositions, emphasizing the quirkiness and idiosyncrasies of its characters and settings.
Stranger Things (2016-present): Created by the Duffer Brothers, pays homage to 1980s sci-fi and horror films while infusing its own unique visual style. The series captures the nostalgia of the era through its use of vibrant colors, dynamic camera movements, and meticulous attention to period details. It blends practical effects with CGI to create a seamless blend of the real and the fantastical. The cinematography of Stranger Things contributes to its nostalgic atmosphere, making it a visual feast for fans of the '80s.
Breaking Bad (2008-2013): Created by Vince Gilligan, is renowned for its compelling storytelling and gripping characters. The series also stands out for its innovative cinematography, which helps convey the show's intense and morally complex narrative. The use of dynamic camera movements, unique angles, and distinctive framing techniques adds to the overall tension and unease, reinforcing the characters' descent into the criminal underworld.
These films and TV shows represent just a fraction of the many examples of unconventional cinematography in cinema. They demonstrate how filmmakers can break free from established norms and experiment with new techniques to create visually stunning and emotionally resonant experiences.
By challenging the traditional rules of cinematography, these filmmakers have expanded the possibilities of storytelling and continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers to think outside the box.
'True Detective'Credit: Warner Bros. Television Distribution
Summing Up Unconventional Cinematography: Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Norms
Unconventional cinematography is a powerful tool that pushes the boundaries of traditional filmmaking, challenging norms and offering new perspectives. Through innovative camera techniques, creative framing, and experimental visual effects, filmmakers can create unique and unforgettable cinematic experiences.
The examples mentioned above illustrate the transformative power of unconventional cinematography and its ability to captivate audiences while redefining the art of filmmaking. As technology advances and filmmakers continue to explore new artistic territories, we can only imagine the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the world of unconventional cinematography.
So what are you going to do about it?
Get out there and make your mark.
