This essay will explore the significance of cinematography in terms of its ability to create emotion and atmosphere in film. Cinematography plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of a movie and is the chosen word for discussion. Terrence Malick is known for his unconventional narrative style where he often twists and turns around a small concept, which may seem less like a film and more like an improvised version of life. Despite this, Malick's works are considered to be a work of art. Cinematography plays a crucial role in achieving the emotive levels required to form an atmosphere worthy of cinema.

The discussion will focus on the films Tree of Life and Knight of Cups, both of which were directed by Terrence Malick and shot by cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, as well as A Hidden Life, shot by Jörg Widmer, Malick's most recent film, as examples. These films will provide insight into the underappreciated art of cinematography and how it is essential in making a great film.

Let us begin with A Hidden Life, set during the Second World War in a small village hidden away in the Austrian landscape of towering hills and never-ending lush green fields. The film is based on the true story of Franz Jägerstätter, a man who refused to serve in the Austrian military because he saw the true extent of what the Nazis were doing abroad. Widmer's cinematography, accompanied by the creative genius of Terrence Malick, is raw and honest. The contrast between the love and intimacy of the family life in the first half of the film, compared to the grey, isolated, and claustrophobic scenes of imprisonment in the final areas of the movie, is remarkable due to the cinematography.

In a short montage scene, we see Franz and his wife Fani laying entangled within one and other on a vast bed of grass near their home in the countryside. The cinematography is based on the technique of shallow depth of field, isolating the married couple and their thoughts from the life surrounding them. A wide-angle lens was used to capture huge amounts of the landscape around them, allowing both intimacy and distance when needed. The sound of children playing in the distance and the subtle roar of the wind add to the emotions. A jump cut shows them holding hands, highlighting the power of cinematography in conveying emotion and atmosphere within a scene without a word being spoken. Another jump cut shows a distant river rushing by, continuing the colour palette of grey, dull blue, and green, a common aspect of Widmer's work.

In conclusion, The power of cinematography should not be underestimated. This essay has explored the significance of cinematography using examples from Tree of Life, Knight of Cups and A Hidden Life. Cinematographers play a critical role in creating a work of art that transcends the screen and provides the audience with an unforgettable experience. Terrence Malick and cinematographers Emmanuel Lubezki and Jörg Widmer have shown just how important cinematography is in creating a mesmerizing cinema experience.

In Knight of Cups, there is a scene that follows a poetic visual style, where Rick's brother is seen upset and being consoled by Rick near the paved area of the L.A. River. The camera zooms in on the two of them, and then follows Rick's brother as he leans over in distress, with the camera capturing him upside-down. This creates a sense of disorientation, allowing the viewer to experience what Rick's brother is feeling. A passing train then distracts the camera, while it pans away from the siblings and focuses on the train instead. The director, Malick, aims to capture real and unfiltered footage of the world through the camera, making it appear like another cast member. The next shot is of a businessman walking downhill into an underground garage, which is unrelated to the narrative but gives an insight into the mundane aspects of the city. The camera then pans to a skyscraper that has been distorted by a tree, highlighting the natural element of the landscape. The lighting is natural, with pastel concrete jungle themes, representing the isolated and vast desert surroundings. This is followed by Rick looking up at the same building from a more distant position, and then using a GoPro type camera to capture further shots of the city, giving a sense that Rick is filming his world and experiences. The camerawork, like the actors, is spontaneous, and captures unplanned and coincidental moments. The scene ends with children playing in a park, with the camera at their level, creating a feeling of nostalgia and childhood. The final shot is of Rick in a desert, mirroring an earlier scene. The contrasting visuals of the city and open desert creates a duality of perspective on Rick's character.

References:

1. Malick, Terrence. A Hidden Life. Searchlight Pictures, 2019.

2. Brown, Blain. Cinematography. Taylor & Francis Group, 2016, p. 30.

3. Tania, Hoser. Introduction to Cinematography. Routledge, 2018, p. 2.

4. Eisenstein, Sergei. Strike. Goskino, 1925, 1hr 35mins.

5. Malick, Terrence. Knight of Cups. Dogwood Films, 2015, 1hr 58mins.

6. Ibid.

7. McKittrick, Chris. "Christian Bale on Not Having a Script for 'Knight of Cups': 'I Never Had Any Lines to Learn'." Daily Actor.

8. Malick, Terrence. The Tree of Life. Cottonwood Pictures, 2011, 2hr 19mins.

Sources Cited:

Hoser Tania's Introduction to Cinematography is a valuable resource for aspiring filmmakers. Brown's Cinematography book provides comprehensive knowledge for those interested in the profession. Sergei Eisenstein's classic film, Strike, is a must-see for any cinemaphile. Terrence Malick's films, A Hidden Life, Knight of Cups, and The Tree of Life, are visually stunning and thought-provoking works of art. In an interview with Chris McKittrick, Christian Bale shared his experience of not having a script for Knight of Cups, a unique approach to filmmaking. For more information on depth of field, the BBC Academy Guides offer a great explanation.