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Visions of Light
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Visions of Light

1992-09-17 · 92 min · ★ 7.0

Documentary · History

Cameramen and women discuss the craft and art of cinematography and of the "DP" (the director of photography), illustrating their points with clips from 100 films, from Birth of a Nation to Do the Right Thing. Themes: the DP tells people where to look; changes in movies (the arrival of sound, color, and wide screens) required creative responses from DPs; and, these artisans constantly invent new equipment and try new things, with wonderful results. The narration takes us through the identifiable studio styles of the 30s, the emergence of noir, the New York look, and the impact of Europeans. Citizen Kane, The Conformist, and Gordon Willis get special attention.

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Production details

Directors
Stuart Samuels, Arnold Glassman, Todd McCarthy
Production companies
AFI, NHK
Countries
Japan, United States of America
Status
Released

Top Cast

Ernest R. DickersonErnest R. DickersonSelf
Michael ChapmanMichael ChapmanSelf
Allen DaviauAllen DaviauSelf
Caleb DeschanelCaleb DeschanelSelf
Lisa RinzlerLisa RinzlerSelf
Conrad HallConrad HallSelf
William A. FrakerWilliam A. FrakerSelf
John BaileyJohn BaileySelf
Néstor AlmendrosNéstor AlmendrosSelf
Charles Rosher Jr.Self
Vilmos ZsigmondVilmos ZsigmondSelf
Stephen H. BurumStephen H. BurumSelf
Harry L. WolfSelf
Charles LangCharles LangSelf
Sven NykvistSven NykvistSelf
Robert WiseRobert WiseSelf
László KovácsLászló KovácsSelf
James Wong HoweJames Wong HoweSelf (archive footage)
Haskell WexlerHaskell WexlerSelf
Vittorio StoraroVittorio StoraroSelf

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