Cinematography : Why don't movies look like *movies* anymore? by Tucker Teague

Tucker Teague

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

The video below makes some bold statements but I'm inclined to agree with all of it. Perhaps my response is more emotional than it should be. However, I do think one big thing the video doesn't consider as much as it should is the business side of movies and how so much of what we see today is driven by finance and those who hold the purse strings (and by algorithms) than by the creatives. What do you think?

*Also, there's some good, real-world experiences in the video's comments section.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwTUM9cFeSo

Willem Elzenga

I think audiences just want to be entertaint and that the art of cinematography can help with that. Which is up to the artists and not the audience. Also I think going to a normal filmschool beats in a thousand ways videos like this. Laughable.

Maurice Vaughan

Great video for cinematographers and others to watch, Tucker Teague! I didn't know contrast played a role in cinematography.

I've wondered why movies nowadays don't look as good as movies in the early 00s, 90s, 80s. "I do think one big thing the video doesn't consider as much as it should is the business side of movies and how so much of what we see today is driven by finance and those who hold the purse strings (and by algorithms) than by the creatives." I also think that's why movies nowadays don't look as good as movies in the past. A lot of indie films nowadays look just as good as movies in the past though, because indie cinematographers have more creative freedom.

Tucker Teague

Maurice Vaughan The capability is there and I do think indie filmmakers probably have more latitude to get the look they want. Also, some of the comments below the video are from DPs who say the problem can also be with post production folks making good images bad, etc. They advocate having the cinematographer part of the post team to ensure the look retains the original vision. I can't speak to much of that but it makes sense to me.

Pat Alexander

Tucker Teague often times cinematographers will sit in on coloring sessions in post to make sure their images aren't done wrong, if they're not already on another shoot that is. which is easy for the bigger DPs who can afford to do only 1 big glitzy movie per year then chill out after that. tougher for DPs on smaller projects who are on sets every weekend. i have a friend who works at a post house in LA and this is the norm these days based on what they've told me

Stephen Folker

Movies aren't done like they used to be. Stories are cranked out so fast they lack originality. Actors are hired for the wrong reasons and don't always nail the part. There's so much CGI in films..or moving shots you can't really appreciate the purpose behind the shot. Good video - thanks for sharing!

Vital Butinar

I love the high contrast low key lighting in the 35mm films. I don't know why this can't be done with digital cameras, when it's so easy. All you have to do is light for contrast and then grade it appropriately.

Pat Alexander

Stephen Folker I still think movies are awesome and in a lot of ways better than they used to be. Although you do hint at a couple of the clear issues that seem to plague the industry today, such as casting for social media followings over... you know... acting ability. And also there's A LOT of shaky cam these days, which grows nauseating when used too much or the wrong way. Eggers' Nosferatu was terrific to me because of all the gorgeous still frames he and Blaschke created where the audience could sit with them and let the images resonate. Don't mind CGI though when it doesn't feel too green screeny.

John January Noble

@Stephen Folker In an interview a while back, Martin Scorsese commented on this. Well put!

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