5 TV Shows to Watch for Their Cinematography

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses the cinematography of several inspiring TV shows, highlighting the innovative techniques and visual styles that influence their own work. Shows like 'Mr. Robot,' 'Better Call Saul,' 'Lost,' 'Top Boy,' and 'Atlanta' are explored for their unique use of framing, lighting, and atmosphere, each creating a distinct narrative experience. The creator emphasizes how cinematography can break traditional rules to enhance storytelling, making even mundane moments visually stunning. Ultimately, these shows demonstrate the power of visual language in capturing emotion and narrative, serving as valuable sources of inspiration for filmmakers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cinematography can play an essential role in storytelling, enhancing the narrative through visual design.
• 😀 The creator recommends watching specific shows for their outstanding cinematography to understand how rules can be bent and broken in filmmaking.
• 😀 Mr. Robot is praised for its bold and daring cinematography, especially the use of off-center framing and negative space to convey paranoia and discomfort.
• 😀 Better Call Saul is highlighted for its precise use of framing, lighting, and shadow to depict moral complexity and make mundane moments visually stunning.
• 😀 Lost, though initially overlooked for its cinematography, reveals its excellence on rewatching, featuring intimate and beautiful shots captured in Hawaii, often using natural light.
• 😀 Top Boy's cinematography is admired for how it reflects the harsh and oppressive atmosphere of the working-class, despite being set in confined spaces and using natural light.
• 😀 The cinematography in Top Boy paints an image of the streets' grimness, perfectly capturing the vibe of the environment and its impact on the characters.
• 😀 Atlanta's cinematography stands out for its abstract, surreal approach, constantly bending rules and blurring the line between reality and imagination.
• 😀 Atlanta also uses consistent lighting techniques, such as shooting at golden hour, to enhance the mood and atmosphere, especially in outdoor scenes.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking inspiration from a wide range of visual works, including TV shows, movies, documentaries, and commercials, as they all offer valuable lessons for filmmakers.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker in this video transcript?

The main focus is on discussing the cinematography of several TV shows that have inspired the speaker, highlighting how their visual style influences their own work.

Which show is considered to have the most remarkable cinematography according to the speaker?

The speaker considers 'Mr. Robot' to have the most remarkable cinematography, citing its daring use of off-center framing and negative space to create a sense of paranoia and discomfort.

How does 'Mr. Robot' contribute to the story through its cinematography?

'Mr. Robot' uses cinematography to reflect the main character Elliot's mental state, with unconventional framing and lighting choices that create a sense of unease and paranoia, reflecting the narrative's psychological themes.

What key cinematographic elements are highlighted in 'Better Call Saul'?

'Better Call Saul' is noted for its meticulous use of lighting, shadow, and framing to tell the story, with every frame being treated as a work of art. It uses light and shadow to reveal the moral complexity of characters and captures even mundane moments in an extraordinary way.

What does the speaker appreciate about 'Lost' in terms of cinematography?

The speaker appreciates the natural beauty of 'Lost's cinematography, especially its intimate framing and the use of 35mm film to capture the lush landscapes of Hawaii, backlighting, and emotional character moments, making the cinematography feel both hidden and beautiful.

How does the cinematography in 'Top Boy' enhance the storytelling?

'Top Boy' uses tight spaces, natural lighting, and a gritty visual style to reflect the harsh, oppressive environment in which the characters live. The camera works to highlight both the claustrophobia and emotional depth of the characters' experiences.

What specific cinematographic style does 'Top Boy' employ to reflect the environment?

'Top Boy' uses tight spaces and natural lighting effectively to reflect the oppressive atmosphere of urban life. The cinematography emphasizes the grey skies and gritty day-to-day experiences of the working class in London.

Why does the speaker admire the cinematography in 'Atlanta'?

The speaker admires 'Atlanta's' cinematography for its abstract and surreal style, often bending the rules of framing and visual storytelling to create a dreamlike quality. The cinematography blurs the line between reality and imagination, enhancing the show's unique narrative.

How does 'Atlanta' differ from other shows in its approach to cinematography?

'Atlanta' differs from other shows like 'Mr. Robot' by consistently experimenting with unconventional visuals, creating a constant sense of abstractness. Each episode feels like a reinvention of cinematographic techniques, with surreal visuals that reflect the show's complex narrative.

What advice does the speaker offer to aspiring filmmakers about cinematography?

The speaker encourages aspiring filmmakers to study the cinematography of various media, including TV shows, films, and commercials. They stress the importance of drawing inspiration from visual storytelling techniques, reminding that many visual languages have already been explored, and resources are abundant for learning.