Cinematography In American Gangster

Spike Lee does many fascinating things from a directorial standpoint, which makes his film (dare I say, joint), Do the Right Thing so interesting to watch. Writer, director Lee makes much use of the high and low angle shots. He does this to draw clear contrasts between the two elders of the block, Da Mayor and Mother Sister and to make conflict more apparent.

The use of lighting does a good job to create “x” shapes as well as create contrast in décor and costuming to illuminate deeper ideas. Scarface claims to be an indictment of gang violence and yet throughout the film it maintains ambiguity. The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre scene provides clarity as to why the film contradicts itself. Despite what the film says it aims to achieve in the title card, indict gangs, this scene manages to express the opposite. This scene shows the layers hidden throughout the film which is why it is so important; there is the obvious anti-gang violence message but also the hidden police corruption message. Using hidden messages in this film was a risk, as people may not have understood or interpreted it incorrectly. The risk taken was rewarded since it was understood and provided the inspiration for other films. It would be interesting to look at the other films that cite Scarface (1932) as inspiration and compare the use of

Lighting was use to show the audience important people. This is shown when Gary’s mum walked in to the stadium the spot light was on here and everyone started to clap. This was to show emotion and unity everyone black or white was supporting her. This is a breathe taking scene because there has just been the end of apatite and the black and white people are starting to believe in the something and support each other.

Lighting and filming through the movie is applied creatively causing people to be interested in not only the plot but the aesthetic . Lighting gave the movie a mysterious ambiance. They also use the lighting to create a contrast of characters, they manipulate the lighting in a scene with Harvey Dent to show the dark side Of himself. Doing these

A prime example of the lighting is how Daniel Plainview always appears darker than the other characters. This creates a mood to make Plainview seem more like an antagonist because he is a darker, or lower level character. An example of this is when he is making the deal with Eli’s brother at the beginning of the story to take over some land for extra cheap. An example of the lighting going up to create a protagonist is Eli preaching and seeing everyone out of the church. Eli is meant to be a good so it is very bright and cheerful. The sound also helps with suspense and with the setting such as the very beginning; the music creates a feeling of isolation and never getting out if Plainview were to get hurt in the

Few genres in cinema history have been through as much change as that of the gangster genre. A subgenre of pre-existing crime films, gangster movies played with the element of organised crime, particularly those involving the mafia, the criminal underworld or illegal activities. Now a celebrated success with many big names such as Goodfellas, The Godfather trilogy and Scarface, the genre wasn’t always a straight recipe for success. Although still recognisable, the themes and conventions of the gangster genre have developed so much over time that what actually defines a film as being part of the “gangster” has changed throughout the decades.

The film Gangs of New York is set in the mid-19th century, when violence had risen with power during the time of massive political corruption and yearning cultural assimilation. The film portrays the sociological issues that took place in this period. In 1846, a mass of Irish immigrants migrated into the city, which many natives disfavored. Narration of the multiple issues that filled the city came from the main protagonist, Amsterdam. From this, the viewer could comprehend that the issues the immigrants faced contains valid historical context behind the film like discrimination and social marginalization. Moreover, the film not only portrays a historically accurate picture about the immigrants during this century, but can be easily compared

A well-known football coach once said, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” That’s not always true. Of course a couch would say that because he/she would teach their team to win. Winning can be an amazing achievement but it’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is the work to become a winner.

The genre of the film is comedy and the lighting in it conveys its light-hearted tone. Although some scenes deal with mystery, crime, and murder (happening off-screen), the high-key lighting manages to keep the mood comedic at all times.

A classic American crime film, The Godfather is a memorable motion picture, worthy of a 4.5-star rating. Released in 1972, the story follows that of an Italian-American criminal family living in New York. One of the most notable components of the film is without a doubt the cinematography. The composition of each shot alone, as well as collectively, sets the mood of the piece. Gordon Willis, the cinematographer for the film, is most well recognized and acclaimed for his method of employing shadows to reflect the morality of characters. This bold move awarded Willis the title “The Prince of Darkness”, as the sinister atmosphere created was perfect for the story. Willis’ use of underexposure and shadows, was particularly effective in showing

Citizen Kane (1941) is an empowering movie full of intrigue, dynamic storytelling, and groundbreaking cinematography. Here we have the story of a rich and famous newspaper tycoon who gives a final word, rosebud. What does this mean? Who was Charles Foster Kane, and what sort of life did he live? The film is gripping, different, and compelling.

The 1980 film The Shining represents what suspense, agitation and horror can be created through expert cinematography. Stanley Kubrick the director manages to build immense panic and unease within the viewer as he depicts the gradual degradation of Jack Torrance. The film sees Jack Torrance succumb to insanity through isolation and supernatural occurrences whilst caretaking a hotel with his family, where he mentally implodes and attempts to kill his wife and son; this amassing to pandemonium. A pivotal chapter within this film is the chaotic scene of Jack wielding an axe, hunting his son Danny through a huge imposing hedge maze.

'The Godfather' is the most revolutionary gangster film of all time, it rewrote the gangster genre in such a stylized way that all latter gangster films have conformed to this genre but also evolved it as films have progressed. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola 'The Godfather' re-invented the gangster genre elevating it to a Hollywood status and making it commercially profitable. It looks into the life of the 'Corleone' family and represents America at that point in time. It portrays the violence and power, corruption and justice, honour and obligation apparent at that time. Previous to 'The Godfather's' release the 'American Dream' was born, to idealists America was the country of

There were many scenes where the lighting was the most important, such as night fight scenes as it helps batman to stay hidden whereas in the morning, he is clearly visible. Another film technique that helps towards the lighting is Batman's costume as it helps him blend various moments of the film. An example of this technique

When the narrator is away from Tyler, such as when he is working, the lighting is soft having more filler lights which soften shadows. Also, all the props and costumes in his office have neutral colors and are plain. When he is with Tyler the colors are more vivid and saturated, not necessarily brighter. Everything in the “normal world” is flat and bland reflecting the narrator’s feelings towards corporate life and the rut that he feels he is stuck in (Fight Club). But when the narrator hangs out with Tyler Durden, the lighting is darker and more intense. Low key lighting appears with Tyler making the scenes with him have harsh shadows. The harsh lighting emphasizes how intense Tyler Durden really is. When the narrator is with Tyler, the audience are really seeing how the narrators truly feels about himself and the life he is living. Next, we will discuss the importance of the narrator finding his true inner