Why don't movies look like *movies* anymore?

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the decline of cinematic quality in modern movies, highlighting the intentional artistry behind older films like 'The Parent Trap' (1998), shot by Dean Cundey. They argue that while digital cinematography has advanced, many contemporary films lack the dynamic range and creative decisions that once made movies feel visually rich. They also touch on the issue of over-reliance on digital tools and the loss of thoughtful, deliberate cinematography. The video emphasizes the importance of contrast and artistic choices in creating visually compelling films, urging filmmakers to aspire to the excellence of past works.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1998 film *The Parent Trap* is a prime example of high-quality cinematography, shot by Dean Cundey, known for his work on iconic films like *Jurassic Park* and *Halloween*.
• 😀 Modern films often lack the bold contrasts and rich colors that made older films stand out, leading to a sense that movies today don't look like 'movies' anymore.
• 😀 Digital cameras have improved significantly in dynamic range, but this can sometimes lead to a more 'gray and sludgy' aesthetic, which lacks the dynamic contrast seen in older films.
• 😀 The trend towards higher dynamic range in modern digital filmmaking, especially with HDR (High Dynamic Range), often results in overly flat or dull-looking cinematography, which contrasts with the vibrant, bold visuals of older films.
• 😀 Intentional cinematography choices, like rich shadows and bold highlights, were common in classic films, and filmmakers should aim for similar intentionality in modern movies to enhance their visual appeal.
• 😀 Filmmakers in the past had a better grasp of how to create visually compelling films, with strong use of color and contrast, which contributed to a cinematic look that modern films often lack.
• 😀 Modern films, especially those with heavy use of VFX or green screens, often suffer from a lack of intentional lighting and visual decision-making, leading to flatter, less engaging images.
• 😀 The criticism of 'digital video look' in early digital films has evolved, but the over-reliance on digital technology today may result in uninspired visuals that fail to engage the audience.
• 😀 The example of *Superbad* (2007) demonstrates how smart choices in production design, wardrobe, and lighting can result in a visually compelling film, even when shot digitally on a camera with limited dynamic range.
• 😀 Even directors like David Fincher, known for pioneering digital cinematography, have faced criticism that their films look 'clinical' and lack the contrast and richness of older works, despite advancements in digital technology.

Q & A

Why is The Parent Trap considered a great example of cinematography?

The Parent Trap is considered a great example of cinematography because it was shot by Dean Cundey, a master cinematographer, using a combination of rich shadows, bold colors, and intentional lighting choices that create a visually captivating film. The exterior shots resemble oil paintings, and the film showcases a high level of craftsmanship in its cinematography.

What role did high dynamic range (HDR) play in modern cinematography according to the script?

High dynamic range (HDR) is described as a contributing factor to the 'sludge' look in modern cinematography. While HDR improves the ability to see more detail in both shadows and highlights, it also leads to a lack of contrast, making images appear flat and less visually striking compared to older films.

How does digital cinematography differ from older film cinematography?

Digital cinematography generally offers a higher dynamic range, allowing for more detail in both shadows and highlights. However, this can result in a more clinical, less dynamic look. Older film cinematography, on the other hand, typically had greater contrast, with rich shadows and bright highlights, creating a more visually engaging and cinematic experience.

What is the key to creating visually compelling cinematography, according to the script?

The key to visually compelling cinematography is intentionality. Filmmakers must make deliberate choices about lighting, contrast, and color to enhance the storytelling. Rather than relying on technology alone, these choices, such as the use of bold contrasts and dynamic lighting, are what make a film visually impactful.

What issue does the script raise regarding modern filmmaking?

The script raises concerns about the lack of creative decisions in modern filmmaking, especially in the digital era. It argues that modern films often look bland and flat due to an over-reliance on technology like green screens and HDR, without enough intentional decisions being made in production.

What example is given to illustrate a film shot on digital that still has great cinematography?

The script mentions 'Zodiac,' a film by David Fincher, as an example of a movie shot on digital that still looks visually stunning. Despite the challenges of digital cinematography, 'Zodiac' maintained high contrast and dynamic visuals, proving that with the right creative choices, digital can achieve excellent results.

What does the script suggest about the influence of digital technology on cinematography?

The script suggests that while digital technology has improved the technical aspects of filmmaking, it has also led to a loss of contrast and intentionality in cinematography. Filmmakers often rely too heavily on the flexibility of digital cameras, which can result in visually sterile and uninspired imagery.

Why does the script criticize the use of flat lighting and lack of creative decisions in modern TV and films?

The script criticizes flat lighting and lack of creative decisions because it leads to dull and uninspired visuals. It emphasizes that many modern TV shows and films look bland due to the lack of bold lighting choices, and filmmakers often shoot scenes in a way that lacks commitment, resulting in uninspiring imagery.

What is the significance of the comparison between 'Superbad' and modern cinematography?

The comparison between 'Superbad' and modern cinematography highlights that even a low-budget film shot on a digital camera (Panavision Genesis HD) can look visually impressive when intentional choices are made. The film's use of strong contrasts, vibrant colors, and thoughtful production design proves that the creative decisions, not just the technology, define a film's look.

What does the script propose as a solution to the current issues in cinematography?

The script proposes that filmmakers should focus more on making intentional, creative decisions in their cinematography. This means embracing contrast, bold lighting, and thoughtful color choices, rather than relying on technology alone or using a 'realism' excuse to justify dull, flat visuals.