Cinematography : Roger Deakins and the job of the cinematographer by Geoff Hall

Thanks for posting Geoff. Always informative to hear what the amazing Mr. Deakins has to say.

Thanks. I love his work. I thought that notion of the DoP not drawing attention to themselves and distracting the audience from the story is a challenge to us all

I remember watching the train robbery scene in "The Assassination of Jesse James." My goodness. Words cannot describe how wonderfully shot and lit that scene was. Roger Deakins is a master.

Nik, I agree. One of the most amazing scenes ever from a lighting perspective. I think that film is one of his best among many great films.

Randolph - Definitely was among his finest work. It was truly stunning. I think that film as a whole is underrated. I thought it was an absolute masterpiece.

I think I need to watch that film again.

Thank you for sharing, Geoff!

my pleasure Shannon. always great to share such great talent.

Hi Dylan, Well, it's always good to cause a commotion. I love Roger Deakins and can sense that English self-conscious thing of not drawing attention to yourself. I don't think a short interview is meant to give his full view of being a Cinematographer, but I took the gist of what he's saying as his fear, or concern that if people start analysing the shots, they'll loose the plot, the story. But you're probably a little like me Dylan, in that when you see a film you love, you buy the DVD and then knowing the story, you analyse those shots. The joy of discovery when you are watching a master of their craft, is something I can never grow old of, it never feels stale. There is always a sense of wonder. It was interesting though, when asked RD said he and Denis Villeneuve couldn't get their heads around shooting in a realist , almost documentary, style. Thanks for commenting. Best, Geoff

Hi Dylan, Well, I suppose it's always good to cause a commotion! However, I think I understand that English reserve and self-consciousness of not 'drawing attention to yourself'. I think what he's saying is that if people stop to analyse the shots they'll lose the plot, the story. He doesn't want to get in the way of the audience experiencing the story. For sure, a short interview won't give you the full story. Maybe you're like me, in that in seeing a film you love, you'll buy the DVD and then analyse the shots once you know the story. Watching a master of their craft at work never grows old, or stale. It was interesting to hear him him say that both he and Denis Villeneuve couldn't get their head around shooting it in a more realist, documentary style. Thanks for commenting. Best, Geoff