The Genius of Moving Image: Part 2

 What is the role of the cinematographer in film making?
The cinematographer is responsible for creating a consistent sense and look for a film. Working alongside the director, their role is to control the lighting, the mood, and creating images that help tell the story. 


Why did director Roman Polanski insist on using hand held camera in the film Chinatown?
Roman Polanski used a hand held camera in 'Chinatown' to create a more intimate feel and to achieve more natural responses from the actors. 

Name two films which use colour in a very symbolic way, and describe what they suggest.

1. The Wizard of Oz (1939). The use of juxtaposition between black and white and colour is used to show two different states of mind. At the start of the film we are introduced to the characters and setting in black and white film, showing reality and normality. It is only when Dorothy turns into a dream-like state that we are introduced to high-saturated colour. This symbolises the fantasy, idolized world in her mind. 

 2. Pleasantville (1998). Again, the use of black and white against colour differentiates two universes. In Pleasantville, it is used to show the separation of morals in 1950's America. The bright, bold colours that the characters are injected into are metaphorically symbolising the rebellious teenagers of the 50's, influenced by sex, rock and roll and jazz.  

In the film Raging Bull why was the fight scene filmed at different speeds?
Using different frame speeds in Raging Bull allowed the director to control the audience's emotions towards
the characters, for example the slow scenes, give a more dramatic feel. 

Who is the cinematographer for the film Apocalypse Now, and what is his philosophy?
Vittorio Storaro was the cinematographer for Apocalypse Now. His philosophy is inspired by Johann Wolfgang's 'theory of colours', in which the theory is that different colours have different effects and influences on people and situations.