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Learn moreFilm can be thought of as photography, but in motion. Although static photography emerged long before the advent of the "moving image," photographers have many lessons to learn from the world of cinema. For nearly a century, directors have championed the uniqueness of cinema, diligently composing shots, experimenting with various shooting techniques, and creating visually stunning works. Photographers have also been involved—outstanding masters of static photography have inspired filmmakers to new achievements throughout the history of cinema. However, it is worth noting that inspiration is a mutual process.
Film critic Yegor Sheremet has compiled a list of films that can impart valuable lessons.
- collaborate with a color palette;
- rely on your individual style;
- find charm in the everyday;
- challenge yourself;
- don't be afraid of difficulties.
A Telegram channel for photography enthusiasts.
...and strives to understand how diverse this topic can be. Join us as we showcase talented Russian writers, track international competitions, and share creative advice from experienced professionals.
A Telegram channel for photography enthusiasts.
...and strives to understand how diverse this topic can be. Join us as we present the works of talented Russian writers, track international competitions, and collect useful creative advice from professionals.
All About My Mother
Pedro Almodóvar is a director's name that is well known in the world of cinema.
Year of release: 1999
Country: Spain
Bright colors and rich melodramatic lines are the two main components on which the work of Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar is based. During his career, he created more than twenty full-length films, each of which amazes viewers with the brightness of the palette and the skill of the set designers.
"All About My Mother" is perhaps the saddest, but at the same time A stunningly beautiful film by director Pedro Almodóvar. The story of a single mother who faces the tragedy of losing her only son is presented in the format of a classic melodrama. However, it is impossible to confuse Almodóvar's signature style with the works of his fellow sentimentalists—the film, starring Cecilia Roth, is executed with such a refined aesthetic that, beyond the tranquil Barcelona landscapes and ubiquitous red, only Almodóvar's presence is felt.
The film demonstrates the importance of color. Almodóvar masterfully applies red, incorporating it into almost every scene. This expressive color unites all the elements of the film into a harmonious whole. Awareness and skillful use of a certain palette can significantly enrich a photograph.
Read also:
Women at the crossroads between suffering and triumph: the theme of Pedro Almodovar's films.
Color
Director: Sergei Parajanov.
Year of release: 1968
Country: USSR
"The Color of Pomegranates" is a surreal parable that is considered one of the most daring films of Soviet cinema. Director Sergei Parajanov departed from the traditional principles of dramaturgy and the rules of cinema, turning the biography of the Armenian poet Sayat-Nova into a vivid expression of visual poetry.
Many vignettes that Allow the viewer to peer into the depths of the author's love poetry, reminiscent of living works of art. Trying to understand the plot of this film can prove both futile and even risky. The intentional complexity of the narrative helps to distract the viewer from the linear plot and immerse themselves in the film's atmosphere. This original project continues to spark active debate—some praise it as a masterpiece, while others criticize Parajanov for the plot's ambiguity.
The film inspires original thinking. Parajanov, following his inner vision, created one of the most extraordinary works in cinema. Moreover, this film is striking in its beauty.
Read also:
Sergei Parajanov is an outstanding film composer and artist who left a significant mark on the world of cinema. Here are five of his most significant projects:
1. **Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors** - this film, released in 1964, became a landmark work in Soviet cinema. In it, Parajanov masterfully combines elements of Ukrainian culture and folklore, creating a unique visual style and atmosphere.
2. **Bright Path** - the work, released in 1964, demonstrates not only Parajanov's directorial talent, but also his ability to convey deep emotions through cinematic images. The film has become a real find for art cinema lovers.
3. **Kyiv Frescoes** - Completed in 1966, this project explores the life and daily life of Kievites through the prism of artistic expression. The film is filled with symbolism and vivid visual metaphors.
4. **Ashik-Kerib** - Made in 1970, this film is based on a folk legend and immerses the viewer in a world of Eastern poetry and music. Parajanov uses a rich palette of color and sound to convey the spirit of the time and place.
5. **The Barn** - Completed in 1979, this project was Parajanov's last major work. The film is a kind of manifesto, combining various artistic styles and philosophical ideas, which makes it a true masterpiece.
These works by Parajanov reflect his unique style and deep connection with cultural traditions, which inspires many filmmakers to this day.
The Neon Demon
The director of this work is Nicolas Winding Refn.
Year of release: 2016
United States of America, Belgium, Denmark and France.
Nicolas Winding Refn, a Danish director, can rightfully be called a visionary. His films, filled with violence and bloody scenes, can be repulsive, but the magnificent work of the set and costume designers encourages viewers to return to his work again and again.
"The Neon Demon" is a striking example of high-quality cinema. This terrifying story about the adventures of an aspiring model is filmed with such artistic flair that even the abundance of blood and overly realistic violence fail to detract from the overall impact. Refn's visual solutions are striking in their originality: the terrifying power of beauty is revealed through acidic color grading and dynamic camera movements. Refn fills the frames with neon light, making Elle Fanning's character look like a true angel, albeit with bloodstains on her face. What lesson does this film teach? It emphasizes the importance of visual perception. Refn creates a film dedicated to the world of models and photographers, which is reflected in the images - some moments from The Neon Demon can be reminiscent of stylish glossy photo shoots.
The Poor and the Unfortunate
The director of this project is Yorgos Lanthimos.
Release year: 2023
Ireland, Great Britain, United States of America and Hungary.
Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos has always shown a special interest in the visual aspects of his work, but in "The Poor and the Unfortunate" his aspirations for aesthetics have achieved outstanding results. Unlike his previous works, where the storyline dominated the visual part, in this film with Emma Stone, the efforts of the director, cinematographer, as well as costume designers and set designers were so impressive that they eclipsed even the screenwriter's ideas.
The provocative narrative of a young soul trapped in the body of an attractive young woman recalls an ornate Victorian exhibition. Artfully crafted doll-like cityscapes, meticulous costumes, and an abundance of wide-angle shots imbue Lanthimos's creation with the aura of a timeless masterpiece.
What can we learn from the film about stylization? In "The Poor, the Poor," Lanthimos creates a unified visual style that perfectly matches the Victorian fantasy world. All aspects of the film interact harmoniously with one another. While stylization can be criticized for its lack of realism, in some cases, it's worth going to extremes to achieve a high-quality result.
Read also:
"The Unfortunate and the Poor": Key Points to Consider About the Film
Water life
The director of this work is Wes Anderson.
Year of release: 2004
Countries: USA
The symmetrical and almost doll-like visual compositions created by Wes Anderson have long become part of popular culture. His unique style has inspired not only his fellow directors, but also photographers who strive to reproduce his characteristic elements.
True inspiration can also be found in this artist's early works. For example, in the seafaring fantasy "The Life Aquatic," which follows the adventures of an oceanographer who vows revenge on a ferocious shark. In 2004, Anderson had yet to develop his signature style, so "The Life Aquatic" contains some less-than-stellar shots. However, this only adds to the film's appeal—Anderson fans will be interested in following the evolving creative approach of one of the most renowned directors of our time.
The film demonstrates the importance of staying true to your own style. Following accepted standards is a tempting urge, but not always justified. It can be perfectly okay to pursue a unique approach that brings you joy. Twenty years ago, Anderson's work, with its hyper-stylized shots, was also ridiculed.
Read also:
The Universe of Wes Anderson: What's Hidden Behind the Symmetry and Soft Pastel Shades?
Fairy Tales Under the Hazy Moonlight After the Rain
Kenji Mizoguchi is the name of the director.
Year of release: 1953
Country: Japan
The sad black-and-white films of Japanese director Kenji Mizoguchi influenced not only his compatriots, but also the entire cinema of the post-war period.
"Tales of the Misty Moon After the Rain" is a magical story about a poor potter who is obsessed with the desire for wealth. Unique landscape scenes, numerous close-ups and smooth camera movements make this film a true work of art that was ahead of its time, making Japanese director Mizoguchi known as a master of "beautiful" cinema. Although the film is just over an hour and a half long, its leisurely narrative gives the plot a timeless feel - some moments seem so drawn-out that watching it turns into a process similar to reading a book. In this masterpiece, Mizoguchi wants to disappear, remaining forever in the mysterious Japanese forest.
The film teaches the intricacies of composition. Like many other filmmakers, Mizoguchi divides his shots into three levels—background, middle ground, and foreground—but he does so with remarkable simplicity. His compositions resemble miniature dioramas. When using the camera, too, one should not limit oneself to a single plane—if all three levels interact with each other, the result will be much more expressive.
Sicily!
Directors: Daniel Huillet and Jean-Marie Straub.
Year of release: 1999
Italy, France, and Germany.
Daniel Huillet and Jean-Marie Straub are outstanding specialists in the field of adapting literary works to the screen. They have created films based on the works of such authors as Franz Kafka, Cesare Pavese, and Bertolt Brecht. At the same time, French directors prefer to preserve the original meaning and structure of literary sources, without trying to make significant changes to them.
Their screenplays are written exclusively by the authors themselves, while the directors focus on visual interpretation. The short film "Sicily!" is inspired by the work of the Italian writer Elio Vittorini. It is a leisurely narrative about the protagonist's return to his native land in Sicily. Deserted streets, cracked walls of buildings, and the faces of villagers—Huillet and Straub's camera captures the small details of everyday life, turning them into cinematic art. Each frame is carefully considered and verified down to the smallest detail—there is no room for chance in this pair's work.
The film conveys a lesson on how to find beauty in everyday life. Yuillet and Straub masterfully composed a magical work, using the most basic components - picturesque views of a small town and performances of amateur artists.
Read also:
"Transplanted Roots" is a photo project that tells the story of a family consisting of Russian and Chinese representatives in the United States.
Happiness
Director: Alexander Medvedkin.
Year of release: 1934
Country: USSR
Alexander Medvedkin remains a little-known but significant representative of the Soviet avant-garde. While Sergei Eisenstein overturned the foundations of cinematography, Medvedkin explored the boundaries of surrealism. His silent film "Happiness" can be seen as a manifesto of unusual cinema. The plot centers on the story of a poor peasant named Khmyr, who unexpectedly finds a wallet with money. This folklore-style fairy tale illustrates his adventures, full of trials, as a result of which he loses all his wealth. In some scenes, a fantastical spotted horse even appears. Despite the difficult political conditions of the time, Medvedkin boldly drew inspiration from pre-revolutionary Russia, and the popular aesthetic of "The Tale" allowed his film to stand out from more propaganda films.
Film conveys an important lesson: don't be afraid to appear unusual. Medvedkin wasn't appreciated by his contemporaries, but with the onset of the Thaw, "Happiness" became known worldwide. Furthermore, the distinguished French director Chris Marker created a documentary about him called "The Tomb of Alexander."
RR
Director: James Benning.
Year: 2007
Country: USA
American cinematographer James Benning is engaged in capturing natural landscapes. He does this with remarkable calm, creating his films from still scenes that transform landscapes into a kind of "living paintings."
The film RR consists of 43 shots showing moving trains. This film has no actors, no script, and no sets. Benning forces the audience to peer into unremarkable landscapes, waiting for the train to inevitably appear. Tiresome? Perhaps. However, prolonged observation makes nature the central figure of the film—some shots filled with unexpected beauty are breathtaking.
The film teaches a lesson in patience. Benning spends long hours choosing the perfect location for a single shot.
The Dragon's Refuge
Director: Tsai Ming-liang
Year of release: 2003
Country: Taiwan
Taiwanese director Tsai Ming-liang is one of the leading proponents of the concept of "slow cinema." In his works, frames change with such slowness that the viewer seems to plunge into a state of trance.
The film "Dragon's Refuge" is one of the most avant-garde works of the director. The film takes place inside an old movie theater that will soon close its doors forever. Visitors bid farewell to this beloved haunt—they watch films, wander the auditorium, and share memories of times gone by. Although the film features many characters, the closing cinema itself plays the main role. The confined space doesn't limit the talented director's creativity—the dark halls become an arena for dreams and nostalgic experiences. The film's characters wander aimlessly through the empty corridors, and viewers can enjoy the unusual filming style and unique, dark visuals. The film conveys an important lesson: don't be afraid of challenges. Indeed, making a film or photographing in complete darkness is no easy task. However, Ming-liang successfully overcame this challenge, transforming a familiar old movie theater into something truly poetic. And you can handle challenges like these.
Artistic Collaboration Agreement
The director of this work is Peter Greenaway.
Year of release: 1982
Country: United Kingdom
Peter Greenaway, a director from Great Britain, began his career with artistic experiments. He created pseudo-documentary films, combining live-action scenes with still photographs and handwritten texts.
Greenaway's complex approach quickly won his audience, but fans of this director's style were in for an "unpleasant" surprise. In 1982, he released his work entitled "The Draughtsman's Contract," a costume drama chronicling the life of an artist named Mr. Neville. The experimental nature of his directorial style faded into the background; as a result, Greenaway created a film that, while unusual, was classically structured. He chose a path of simplification, which proved to be quite successful: exquisite shot compositions, an intricate plot, and magnificent period costumes defined his directorial method for many years to come.
The film conveys an important lesson about courage. Greenaway radically transformed his creative approach, leaving behind the familiar techniques that had brought him success. As a result, he took his place among the most famous directors in Europe.
Tell Fortunes on a Daisy
The director of this project is Robert Frank.
Year of release: 1959
Country: USA
The short film "Tell Fortunes on a Daisy" in black and white, lasting thirty minutes, is a work that can be described as restrained and even anti-beautiful. With irony, he reveals the everyday life of American bohemia, where the characters behave frivolously, make noise, and immerse themselves in idleness.
Unlike the other films on our list, "Tell Me the Daisy" isn't exactly a visionary work. However, its creator is the outstanding street photographer Robert Frank, whose images captured the atmosphere of post-war America. Frank took a bold step by replacing static images with more dynamic shots, thereby inspiring many photographers to similar experiments. His example was followed by such masters as Anton Corbijn and Steve McQueen.
The film conveys an important lesson about self-confidence. Robert Frank took up the challenge without hesitation, applying his ten years of street photography experience to create a captivating film.
Read also:
My life is closely connected with the world of cinema, especially with the enchanting atmosphere of black-and-white films.
