The art and technology of motion-picture photography is one of the key elements in filmmaking, as it helps set the ambiance and tone for the story the director is telling. As a rule, it consists of singular techniques like general composition, lighting, and usage of lenses and filters, as well as other camera-related aspects, including angles and movements.
What’s so interesting about cinematography is that it can improve a film by an incredible amount. If a movie is mediocre but features great visual scenes, the finished product will likely still leave a mark on viewers. Over the years, a huge number of famous movies have thrilled audiences with stunning images. But which are some of the most underappreciated?
10’The Master' (2012)
StarringJoaquin Phoenixin one of his most memorable roles,The Mastercenters on a troubled drifter who struggles with the trauma of having served in World War II. When the charismatic leader of a religious movement known as the Cause, Lancaster Dodd (PhilipSeymourHoffman), and Freddie meet on a fateful night in 1950, the latter’s life takes an interesting turn of events.
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Paul Thomas Anderson’s incredible dramawith stunning cinematography byMihai Mălaimare Jr.certainly makes for a compelling watch, with one of its biggest highlights being the stunning visuals it features. Even though the cinematography of the 2012 film has been nominated for a couple of different awards, users on Reddit still believe it deserved more recognition than it has gotten. “I was pretty shocked to discover that this film wasn’t evennominatedfor cinematography at the Oscar,” adeleted usersaid.
9’It Follows' (2014)
In the thrilling horror mystery,It Follows, a series of strange incidents start unfolding after a young woman (Maika Monroe) is followed by an unknown force after having a seemingly innocent sexual encounter with a guy she hardly knows.
Directed byDavid Robert Mitchel, this refreshing andunsettling filmprovides horror fans with a different take on the genre, with some people even considering it a cult classic today. Furthermore,Mike Gioulakis’s work as the DoP does not go unnoticed. “Masterful use of unmotivated camera movements that work perfectly with the narrative,” the Redditorimarzialiwrote. “A lot of the wides feels like something straight out of a Gregory Crewdson still.”
8’Midsommar' (2019)
After his highly praised A24 flickHereditary,Ari Asterwent on to make another one for the books.Midsommaris a folk horror that followsFlorence Pugh’s characterDani as she travels to Sweden with a group of friends for a midsummer festival, only to find herself trapped in a cult practice of Scandinavian paganism in the broad daylight.
“I know it gets its praise, butMidsommarblew me away with its cinematography,“bulldogfilmscommented. “Not just the beautiful, picturesque scenes of the festival but that opening scene with the paramedics…” Even thoughPawel Pogorzelski’s stunning work was noticed by some smaller award ceremonies like Columbus Film Critics Association and Film Independent Spirit Awards, Redditors think that it should’ve gotten more love.
7’The Last Black Man in San Francisco' (2019)
Tackling themes of nostalgia, belonging, and family,The Last Black Man in San Franciscois a moving and alluring watch byJoe Talbot(also his debut feature). Its premise revolves around Jimmie (Jimmie Fails) and his best friend Mont (Jonathan Majors' first starring role) as the two attempt to regain the house built by the latter’s grandfather (Danny Glover).
Based on Fails' real-life experiences, this touching feature combines an expertly executed premise with equally great cinematography byAdam Newport-Berra, who does a wonderful job at shooting the film. “Also great soundtrack. Loved it,” the Redditorelferrydavidsaid when anow-deleted userpraised the movie’s visuals (one of the year’s best-looking).
6’Overlord' (2018)
Following a group of American soldiers who have fallen behind enemy lines after attempting to destroy a German radio-jamming tower,Overlordfollows the unearthing of terrifying Nazi experiments as D-Day approaches.
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Directed byJulius Avery, the 2018 film combines genres of horror, action, and science fiction to interesting results. According to the userCGDParadox,LaurieRoseandFabian Wagner’s work as DoPs should have been given more credit. “The cinematography inOverlordhas always impressed me, the opening scene especially was spectacular,” they wrote. “I went into that movie expecting a fun movie but was surprised when I came away from it being really impressed.”
5’Macbeth' (2015)
StarringMichael Fassbender, this take on theWilliam Shakespeareclassic historical war tale — whichhas been adapted to the big screen a few timesnow — is directed byJustin Kurzeland illustrates the character’s journey into a self-fulfilling prophecy of becoming the King of Scotland.
“MacBethis awesome, love Adam Arkapaw (and even though it’s a terrible movie the cinematography in Assassin’s Creed is amazing too),” commented the Redditorspacemonkey81. Featuring an earthy color palette andthe aid of two different cameras, the Spotlight Award winner’s work in the film is undeniably great.
4’Mother!' (2017)
Disturbing and haunting,Darren Aronofsky’s filmis a bizarre Mother Earth analogy that provides much food for thought. Depicting a couple’s peaceful existence, it’s disturbed when uninvited guests show up unannounced at their place,Mother!is both a compelling and bizarre film.
“I thinkMother!shot by Matthew Libatique was brilliant and had such an intimate feel in a sublime and tense way,” the userCyberpunkbullywrote on the website. Cinematography is a huge part of the unsettling film, as it relies on several aspects to help tell the story better, including the usage of color.
3’Good Morning' (1959)
Directed byYasujirō Ozu,Good Morningtells the (seemingly) simplistic story of two children as they take a vow of silence to force their parents to get them a television, tackling, like many other films by the filmmaker, the recurring theme of intergenerational relationship challenges.
Featuring stunning color,this hidden gemis undoubtedly worth checking. According to the RedditorSimpleSatyr, it has “such wonderful picturesque cinematography” and is “simple yet beautiful.” In the same comment, the user revealed that they believeYûharu Atsuta’s work does not “come up enough” in conversations around best-shot films.
2’Ghost in the Shell' (2017)
Set in the near future,Ghost in the Shelldepicts a reality where humans are given cybernetic enhancements like enhanced strength, vision, and intelligence. In the meantime, a company creates artificial bodies called “shells” that can incorporate a human brain rather than an AI.
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Despite her great performance,Rupert Sanders' movie received major criticism for castingScarlett Johanssonin an Asian lead role, which, among other things, caused the film to lack its source material’s magic. On Reddit,Willal212admitted that, while most people hate the movie, they were “absolutely stunned” by its “production design and cinematography” (byJess Hall), adding that it featured the “most believable, yet artistic use of the ‘used future’ aesthetic” they have ever seen.
1’Alien 3' (1992)
LikeGhost in the Shell,Alien 3isn’t among the highest-rated science fiction flicks, withmany believing it to be one of the weakest entriesof the franchise. In theDavid Fincherfilm, Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) crashes onto Fiorina 161 while returning from LV-426 and learns that she unintentionally brought an unwanted visitor.
Despite its weak execution,Alien 3is regarded as one of the most stylish and visually alluring, with some people believing its cinematography byAlex Thomsonis highly underappreciated. “IMHO is the best-looking of any Alien (or AvP) film, save for the first one,” the userScottDSsaid.
