Cinematography : 2024 - What's your favorite film? by Stephen Folker

"Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One," Stephen Folker. The cinematography is phenomenal! All of the "M:I" movies have spectacular cinematography and set pieces.

I didn't see a ton of new films this year, but I was really surprised by how good the visuals and story of A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes were. It's a prequel to the Hunger Games franchise, which I thought was just ok. So I went in with low expectations and actually left really impressed by it.

But my favorite cinematography that I saw this year was in the Apple TV+ series, Foundation. The visuals are INCREDIBLE. I was blown away.

For me, I was actually surprised by the Cinematography of "The Sound of Freedom." External night shots are always hard to do if you want to include the background and with the budget they had, shooting on a river, at night - it must have been a logistical nightmare. I really did like it a lot though.

Jack Cardiff's early Technicolor films like the eye-popping BLACK NARCISSUS and THE RED SHOES.

Robert Richardson's body of work.

This year, Hoyte Van Hoytema's work on OPPENHEIMER, and Rodrigo Prieto's KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON.

Just re-watched 'High Plains Drifter' with Clint Eastwood. What a cinematic treat.

Loved Aki Kaurismäki’s film “Fallen Leaves”. He still shoots on 35mm film.

Barbie cinematography was unique to my eyes. Especially because so many biggest superstars where framed in such a colourful positive rainbow.

Gutíerrez's Frida is pretty terrific. Hard to approach a topic that's been tried but it's brilliant.

I'll give you a few. Current film has to be Avatar: Way of Water by James Cameron. Despite the CGI, the camera is soft when it needs to be, tracks beautifully around action, and that man's perspectives are pure genius. It's like watching a photographer line shot for a gallery exposition. Is it cheating if I bring up an animation? If you'll allow it, I'll tell you of an anime series I like called Mushoku Tensei. While it isn't a realistic way to look at filming a real project, I've taken many notes from pacing, to experimenting with camera blur to achieve in camera looks similar to what I saw in the series. Lastly, Captain Fantastic. Slow paced drama, this film has beautifully composed shots that play with guiding lines. The composition takes advantage of the natural landscape and truly sets the characters within the setting of the film.

Torian Allen thanks for sharing.

Sam Sokolow I'll have to check that one out! Speaking of films about artists, did you see the one about Bob Ross?

Stephen Folker I haven't yet but spent many an afternoon in college with Bob Ross on while doing homework. It is high on my list.