What movies should I watch to study cinematography?

8591 what movies should i watch to study cinematography

To study cinematography, there are several movies that can be watched as a reference for their effective use of cinematographic techniques. Below are some of the movies that can be watched to learn more about cinematography:

  1. The Godfather (1972): This movie is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made and is a must-watch for anyone interested in cinematography. The use of lighting, framing, and camera angles in this film is exceptional.

Source: American Film Institute (AFI) – The Godfather (1972)

  1. Lawrence of Arabia (1962): This epic movie is known for its sweeping desert landscapes and the use of long shots to capture the vastness of the setting. The cinematography in this movie is a masterclass in creating an epic feel through visual storytelling.

Source: The British Film Institute (BFI) – Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

  1. Blade Runner (1982): This science-fiction movie is famous for its use of neon lights, rain, and shadows to create a dystopian, futuristic world. The cinematography in this movie is a perfect example of how lighting and color can be used to set the tone of a movie.

Source: American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) – Blade Runner (1982)

  1. Citizen Kane (1941): This classic movie is a masterclass in cinematography, with innovative camera angles, deep focus shots, and dramatic lighting. The use of visual storytelling techniques in this movie set a standard for the industry that is still followed today.

Source: The National Film Registry – Citizen Kane (1941)

  1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994): This movie may not seem like an obvious choice for studying cinematography, but the effective use of lighting and color grading in this movie is worth studying. The use of muted colors in the prison scenes and warm colors in the outside world is a great example of how color can be used to convey emotions.

Source: American Cinematographer – The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

In conclusion, these are some of the movies that can be watched to study cinematography. Each of these movies has exceptional cinematography that can be analyzed and studied to gain a deeper understanding of the art of visual storytelling.