How Filmmakers Achieve CINEMATIC SYNTHESIS

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the often misunderstood and overused term 'cinematic,' breaking it down into four key categories: Objective, Implicit, Contextual, and Subjective cinematography. He delves into the technical aspects, like lighting, shape, texture, and color, as well as the more philosophical elements, such as perspective, emotional weight, and narrative context. Through examples from films like *Star Wars*, *1917*, and *No Country for Old Men*, the speaker demonstrates how these elements come together to create truly cinematic imagery. Ultimately, the video offers a deeper understanding of what makes an image resonate on both technical and emotional levels.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cinematic imagery is not a universally agreed-upon concept and can mean different things to different people, depending on context and historical perspective.
• 😀 The term 'cinematic' is overused and misunderstood, often being applied to anything that looks visually appealing, but lacking deeper artistic meaning.
• 😀 Cinematography, at its core, involves the manipulation of shape, texture, and color, with contrast playing a major role in creating compelling images.
• 😀 Shape in cinematography is understood through light and shade, where contrasting values (like black and white) reveal the form of objects onscreen.
• 😀 Color contrast, such as the relationship between red and green, creates visual interest and harmony, enhancing cinematic quality.
• 😀 Texture contrast is key to emphasizing the different qualities of objects in a scene, for example, pairing soft textures with rough ones to create visual tension.
• 😀 The implicit aspect of cinematography involves the camera's perspective, which can influence how close or distant the audience feels to a subject, shaping emotional engagement.
• 😀 Contextual cinematography ties images to the broader narrative and emotional impact of the film, with shots gaining significance through the audience's experience of the story.
• 😀 A shot's impact can be dramatically heightened when it is placed within the broader context of the film, as seen in movies like '1917', where earlier shots gain new meaning at the film's conclusion.
• 😀 The subjective aspect of cinematography goes beyond technical execution, tapping into the director's personal experience and vision, influencing how an image resonates emotionally with the audience.
• 😀 Ultimately, a 'cinematic' image is achieved when the combined efforts of artists, writers, and actors create a meaningful, engaging story that adds value to the human experience.

Q & A

What is the main issue with the word 'cinematic' according to the speaker?

The speaker believes the word 'cinematic' is overused, misunderstood, and highly loaded. It is an all-encompassing term that can mean different things to different people, and its meaning has evolved over time, making it difficult to pin down precisely.

What philosophical concept does the speaker reference to explain the evolution of cinematic techniques?

The speaker references Hegelian dialectics, which involves the process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. This concept is used to explain how opposing ideas or technologies (e.g., film vs. digital) come together to create something new and improved.

How does the speaker break down the concept of cinematography?

The speaker breaks down cinematography into four categories: objective, implicit, contextual, and subjective. These categories help to understand the different layers and dimensions that make an image truly cinematic.

What are the key components of the 'objective' category in cinematography?

The 'objective' category consists of three main components: shape, texture, and color. These elements help define how an image is perceived visually and are crucial in creating depth, contrast, and interest.

How does the speaker explain the importance of shape in cinematography?

The speaker argues that shape is at the core of an objective cinematic image. He explains that shapes are perceived through the contrast of light and dark, and the interplay between light and shadow reveals the form of an object or a person in the frame.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of contrast in cinematography?

Contrast is crucial because it helps create visual interest and depth in an image. By juxtaposing opposites, such as light vs. dark or soft vs. rough textures, contrast enhances the clarity and expressiveness of the image, making it more cinematic.

What role does perspective play in the 'implicit' category of cinematography?

In the 'implicit' category, perspective refers to the relationship between the camera's position, the subject, and the lens used. The speaker explains that camera distance (close-ups vs. wide shots) and perspective influence how the viewer engages with the scene, subtly shaping their emotional response.

How does the speaker use the example of 'R2D2 and C-3PO' to explain contextual cinematography?

The speaker uses R2D2 and C-3PO as examples of thesis and antithesis in contextual cinematography. The two robots, with contrasting physical characteristics and roles, complement each other, creating a perfect synthesis that enhances the overall narrative and visual impact of the film.

What is the significance of the 'contextual' category in understanding cinematography?

The 'contextual' category refers to the emotional and narrative weight that an image holds within the story. The speaker highlights that an image gains meaning not in isolation, but in relation to the events of the entire film. Previous shots or the film’s overall arc can enhance the emotional impact of a particular scene.

How does the speaker define the 'subjective' category in cinematography, and why is it the most important?

The 'subjective' category refers to the personal experience and emotional connection that a viewer brings to an image. The speaker believes this is the most important category because it taps into something deeper than visual appeal, connecting the viewer to the artistic intent of the filmmakers.

How does the speaker use the example of 'No Country for Old Men' to demonstrate the subjective aspect of cinematography?

In the example of *No Country for Old Men*, the speaker discusses how the contrast in lighting on the face of the antagonist creates a poetic and symbolic meaning. The divided lighting represents the duality of the character, making the shot more impactful by connecting it to the broader themes of fate and choice in the film.

What does the speaker mean by the term 'cinematic image' in a broader sense?

A 'cinematic image' goes beyond visual beauty or technical skill. It involves the combination of objective, implicit, contextual, and subjective elements that together create a visually compelling and emotionally resonant image that serves the film’s narrative and artistic goals.