I don't think that I have one favorite DP, mainly because I don't know as much about notable DPs as I could. Despite this, one that has recently come up on my radar that I enjoy is Wally Pfister who has collaborated many times with director Christopher Nolan. Some of his noteworthy accomplishments include Inception, The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, The Prestige, and Momento. I think part of the reason that I enjoy Pfister's work is simply because I enjoy a lot of the films as a whole that he has shot, but also, I think Pfister has a certain style that is evident in his work.
He uses dim lighting quite a bit, which often conveys a darker, more gritty mood in a story.
The Dark Knight
The Prestige
The Prestige
Batman Begins
Inception
Handheld camera work is another characteristic of his style. In an interview with a magazine, Pfister was quoted, "Every time the camera can be on my shoulder, it's on my shoulder. So that creates an enormously free-form way of filming. I can pan around any direction."
This is a scene in Inception that features a lot of handheld camera work done by Pfister.
Even though Pfister has a distinct style that is evident in his work, a lot of what comes out on film, similar to many DPs, is a collaboration of his style as a DP and the director's vision. In his own words, "It's just getting on the set and looking at what's there and either creating the life or taking what's there and augmenting it and making something out of it based on the director's vision, and the rehearsals, the actors, and all the other elements combined."
No comments:
Post a Comment