Larry Fong is a cinematographer that has worked on many popular films, such as 300, Watchmen, Super 8, and Sucker Punch. Fong was a childhood friend of J.J. Abrams and they have worked together with many of their works.
Watchmen
When setting up each shot for Watchmen, Fong purposely planned out how the subject was composed in the frame. A major goal for the film was to honor the graphic novel and stylistic choices in comparison from one to the other. Symmetry is a major key element that Fong focused on in each shot.
Fong also used only one camera throughout the filming of Watchmen in order to make every single shot important and beautifully composed. Fong felt that when you are using two cameras the second is normally of lesser quality and less concern.
Super 8
Fong collaborated with J.J. Abrams in order to create one of my favorite films of all time. Super 8 was filmed with many different types of cameras, even super 8 to mimic the look. This camera was the Beaulieu 4008 ZM4 IV. They also mostly used 60mm and 25mm speed lens.
Why worry about each and every detail when you can have a cult following with a simple and organic filmmaking style? Well, the Duplass Brothers have gone for this look and successfully made their way to the top of the Mumblecore genre. Mumblecore is a sub genre of indie films that have a low-budget, amateur actors, and natural dialog. While these traits are normally looked down upon, I find that these are my favorite films because of the importance in storytelling instead of the quality of equipment.
The Puffy Chair
Being the first feature length film from the Duplass Brothers, the innocence is still in the movie. Throughout the film only one camera was used. This camera is the Panasonic MiniDV AG DVX100A, and it uses a digital format rather than film. In an interview by thefilmlot.com both Mark and Jay Duplass agreed that they used digital because it was substantially cheaper, but they quickly grew to love the digital format because it helps with the long dramatic scenes. There are many similar shots of slight zooms and quick rack focusing, which is the defining style found in all of their films. While the Duplass Brothers pride themselves on their authentic acting, their cinematography is a necessity in order to truly give each film this unique mumblecore look.
Baghead
Breaking from the mumblecore genre momentarily, the Duplass Brothers try out a horror flick with Baghead. While they do change genres, their style is still prevalent in this film. They keep the personable filming style with dramatic close-up pauses to show the importance of each line spoken. Within this film the true acting of each character comes out. The Duplass Brothers told thefilmlot.com they do not rehearse any scenes in order to keep them fresh and spontaneous.
Cyrus
Having a new and popular cast, the Duplass Brothers really got their name out to the public with this film. John C. Reilly and Jonah Hill had an immediate connection with the open-ended directing style. While the storytelling becomes more involved and complete, they seem to stick with their old styles of filming. They still can’t seem to find a tripod, but continue to use the slight zooms to perfection.
Jeff, Who Lives at Home
With another all-star cast of Ed Helms, Jason Segel, Judy Greer, and Susan Sarandon the Duplass Brothers were able to publicize this movie quite well. What makes this film so unique is that they reverted back completely to a mumblecore genre with a dry comedy full of drama and unexpected plot twists. When watching this film, I was glad to see them not only go back to their rudimentary storytelling styles but also that the public will now see the greatness behind this unknown genre of mumblecore.
The Do-Deca-Pentathlon
This is the most recent film directed by the Duplass Brothers. Using a cast from the old-days, they truly created a mumblecore flick to compete with The Puffy Chair. They reverted back to the shaky cam, drawn out dramatic scenes, and rack focus shots. This is the only film by the Duplass Brothers that is accessible through Netflix Instant, and I highly recommend you film buffs out their to give it a watching, along with all the other flicks from these creative directors.
Other works :
Kevin Documentary (Produced) Safety Not Guaranteed (Produced)
From the deadpan plots to the repetition of cast, Wes Anderson has many similarities that ties each of his films together. One of the most crucially studied techniques in Anderson’s films is his style of cinematography. Anderson has artistically created his own method of filmmaking through many of his typical aesthetics.
Wide Angle Lens
The most well known technique of any Anderson film has to be his use of wide angle lenses. Not only does he use a typical lens to shoot large landscapes, but he uses an anamorphic 40mm lens which stretches each wide angle to its limit.
Bird’s Eye
Breaking the norm is a trait Anderson is proud of, and this can be seen in many of his films. With his version of the Bird’s Eye View shot, the viewer will either a) get a feeling of novelty/story time, or b) know they are watching a Wes Anderson movie.
Centered Subject
Rule of Thirds is taught about in all composition classes whether it be photography, videography, or painting. Yet again, Anderson breaks these film rules by centering his subject in most shots with an expressionless face staring back at the audience. These scenes are dramatically compelling because they force the audiences attention to the stoic character.
While Anderson uses these similar cinematography traits, there are many other connections between his movies outside of the cinematography realm.
Cine Update 