Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography

Released Feb 24, 1993

1 hr. 30 min.

Documentary

History

Drama

List

95%

20 Reviews

Tomatometer

85%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

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.

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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

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Audience Member

An introduction to cinema-photography effectively narrated and presented.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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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

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Audience Member

Para los que conociamos bien sobre cinematografia.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

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Audience Member

A must see documentary for all filmmakers!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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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

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Arnold Glassman

Director

Stuart Samuels

Director

Todd McCarthy

Director

Ernest R. Dickerson

Actor

Michael Chapman

Actor

Allen Daviau

Actor

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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

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Empire Magazine

Rated: 4/5

Dec 30, 2006

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Anton Bitel

Film4

This breathtaking documentary sheds brilliant light (and subtle shading, too) on the history and practice of cinematography.

Jun 15, 2007

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Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

Rated: 4/5

May 14, 2007

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Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

Absolutely superb documentary with haunting score.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 19, 2005

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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
Executive Producer: Terry Lawler, Yoshiki Nishimura
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
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm, Scope (2.35:1), Academy (1.33:1)