Psychological Cinematography

[Michael Wisniewski]

Here's a thread where I was looking for similar info (click here). Also try searching under Art Theory and/or Aesthetics.

Haven't found a lot of resources that take visual art theory and make it more practical, but the two books, listed in the thread above are a good start.

[Matt Woodson]

<<<-- Originally posted by Shawn Mielke : Thanks for the Nykvist quote, Matt. That's the kind of judgement and psychological shaping of perception in cinema that interests me most. How to shoot two people in such a way that helps the viewer "inhabit" their transpiring relationship, in all of it's complexity. Great stuff. Great great film. -->>>


Same here.

[Matt Woodson]

<<<-- Originally posted by Michael Wisniewski : Here's a thread where I was looking for similar info (click here). Also try searching under Art Theory and/or Aesthetics.

Haven't found a lot of resources that take visual art theory and make it more practical, but the two books, listed in the thread above are a good start. -->>>


That's Michael , this is something that interst me the most and I want to learn more about it.

[Mathieu Ghekiere]

<<<-- Originally posted by Rob Lohman : Also I though
that it was good in Se7en that they showed the head, that just
added so much to the "bad guy" for me. But I generally agree
with you, a lot of endings just try to wrap it up too much. -->>>

Rob, I think you saw another version of Se7en then I did :-) I am pretty sure you never see the head in the box in Se7en.
Many people think you do,because they film it almost (close-up of the box, but you can't see what's in it) but you never see the head.

BTW: if you look for a movie that captures the feelings of characters well, I think Requiem For A Dream is a good one. Many people would think it's just a movie in MTV style, but just listen to the commentary track of Darren Aranofsky on the DVD, it's like every image is shot from the perspective 'what is our character now feeling?'

Good luck with your search.
PS: if you wouldn't have seen Requiem For A Dream, here is a little warning: sometimes the movie can get really intense, and I don't think you will be in a great mood afterwards.

bye

[Rob Lohman]

Indeed, I checked my DVD, it isn't show at all. This goes to show
how powerful the movie really is and how they can put images
in your head that weren't even there! Awesome!

[Keith Loh]

I just saw the Jan Kounen adaptation of the French western comic "Blueberry". It was pretty trashy but it does have some really trippy sequences showing the POV of the marshal as he smokes some native narcotic (peyote?). It has some pretty nice CG, visual effects. Think the sequence of "The Doors" where the group goes off into the desert and then extend it over feature-length.

There is a brilliant sequence of King Hu's "A Touch of Zen", where the heroes (and villain) encounter a trio of Buddhist monks. It really is a stunning piece of cinematography, editing and sound production. The monks appear, framed by the sun, and then they start floating over the bamboo intercut with a series of flash images intending to show the moment of bliss as they enter the scene.