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Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography

Released Feb 24, 1993 1h 30m Documentary History Drama List
95% Tomatometer 20 Reviews 85% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
This documentary examines an often overlooked element of filmmaking: the role of cinematography. It includes interviews with various cinematographers, credited as "directors of photography," who discuss clips from their own work as well as films that inspired them. They pay homage to pioneering cinematographers and to more than 100 films. The film considers how the cinematographer's job has changed over the years, with the advent of new technology and the development of the art of filmmaking.

Critics Reviews

View All (20) Critics Reviews
Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Sticking mainly to well-known material certainly has its pedagogic (as well as practical) uses, and within these ideological limitations, Visions of Light is a lovely piece of work. Rated: 3/4 Jun 2, 2022 Full Review Sheila Johnston Independent (UK) It's an excellent introduction to the neglected magic of the cameraman, bolstered by a revolving supporting feature chosen from the examples discussed in the film. Nov 14, 2017 Full Review Empire Magazine Rated: 4/5 Dec 30, 2006 Full Review Anton Bitel Film4 This breathtaking documentary sheds brilliant light (and subtle shading, too) on the history and practice of cinematography. Jun 15, 2007 Full Review Christopher Null Filmcritic.com Rated: 4/5 May 14, 2007 Full Review Steve Crum Video-Reviewmaster.com Absolutely superb documentary with haunting score. Rated: 5/5 Dec 19, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (25) audience reviews
Audience Member Not a particularly fancy documentary as far as presentation goes, but it's a really fascinating look at cinematography as an art form and how it's evolved alongside film as a medium. Hearing some of the greatest cinematographers to ever live discuss their process and their thoughts on fellow DP's works is really quite eye-opening, and explains just how beautiful cinematography can be when true care and passion is pushing it forward. A perfect watch for anyone looking to learn more about some of the finest visual works cinema has to offer. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member An introduction to cinema-photography effectively narrated and presented. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Audience Member Pretty standard documentary concerning cinematography from some of the most iconic films. I watched this in two different film classes, and I fell asleep the 2nd time. I can appreciate what the filmmakers are trying to go for. Breaking iconic shots down isn't as amusing to me. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Para los que conociamos bien sobre cinematografia. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Audience Member A must see documentary for all filmmakers! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member The art of the film cinematographer is one that has truly shaped the face of cinema over the years . This documentary from 1993 gives us a history of the greats of the art and shows they wat they crafted those memorable images. The film follows the works of the great DPs from the early days of Billy Bitzer working with DW Griffith on Birth of a Nation to the works of the classic Hollywood Dps such as Sol Polito and James Wong Howe. To the pioneers from Europe such as Nestor Almendros,Lazlo Kovacs and Sven Nykvist. The film traces the art and how the work of the cameraman has changed and adapted over the years to keep up with advances in film technology. The other plus point beside all the great talent on display is of course clips from the films they shot ,from Conrad Halls use of rain to the price of darkness Gordon Wiliis not lighting Marlon Brandos eyes to make him even more menacing. It would be nice if the filmakers followed the film up with making another about the wotks of todays great DPs such as Wally Pftser and Roger Deakins. But that is a minor grouse when you have a film stacked with Beautiful imagery. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography

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Movie Info

Synopsis This documentary examines an often overlooked element of filmmaking: the role of cinematography. It includes interviews with various cinematographers, credited as "directors of photography," who discuss clips from their own work as well as films that inspired them. They pay homage to pioneering cinematographers and to more than 100 films. The film considers how the cinematographer's job has changed over the years, with the advent of new technology and the development of the art of filmmaking.
Director
Arnold Glassman, Stuart Samuels, Todd McCarthy
Producer
Stuart Samuels
Screenwriter
Todd McCarthy
Distributor
Kino International Corp., Image Entertainment Inc.
Production Co
American Film Institute
Genre
Documentary, History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 24, 1993, Original
Runtime
1h 30m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
35mm, Scope (2.35:1), Academy (1.33:1)