Jan 10 2008
Speaking of cinematography..
WARNING - if you are of a sensitive disposition close your eyes when Colin Farrell says “Or I could be a thief or something”, and keep them closed until you here a loud THWACK.
To my eye cinematographer Ryszard Lenczewski is the most talented cameramen I’ve run across. He works a lens like Keith Jarrett works a keyboard. A restless deft fluidity that continually flirts with chaos but invariably resolves with zipless affinity
The camerawork in the clip above - from Intermission - is absolutely representative of the entire film. The lens is always either moving or zooming - often both at the same time. How is it possible to watch this film and not notice the camerawork? And yet a very positive 1000 word review, from Roger Ebert, and not a single mention of the cinematography.
Appreciate the tip. Just watched Intermission last night, brilliant camerawork. Checking imdb I’ve seen another of his Lenzewscki’s films, Last Resort. I don’t remember the camerawork being quite so edgy and free in that.
i find that kind of camerawork annoying instead of edgy and brilliant.
to each his own.
I know what you mean TD. I can see how it might interfere with enjoyment of the movie, particularly on the big screen.
But I suspect that with the anointment of Paul Greengrass - following the $3 billion Bourne juggernaut - experimental/annoying cinematography has found a home in the mainstream.
To produce video you attempt to create a consistent aesthetic. Much simpler if you pick an established style and follow all the rules rather than trying to create your own.