Visions of Light (1992)

Directors:

Arnold Glassman
Todd McCarthy

Writer:

Todd McCarthy (writer)

Release Date:

24 February 1993 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | History

Plot:

Cameramen and women discuss the craft and art of cinematography and of the "DP" (the director of photography)...

Plot Keywords:

Cinematography | Film Clip | Film Making | Independent Film

Awards:

3 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Ernest R. Dickerson	...	Himself (as Ernest Dickerson)
Michael Chapman	...	Himself
Allen Daviau	...	Himself
Caleb Deschanel	...	Himself
Lisa Rinzler	...	Herself
Conrad L. Hall	...	Himself (as Conrad Hall)
William A. Fraker	...	Himself
John Bailey	...	Himself
Néstor Almendros	...	Himself (as Nestor Almendros)
Charles Rosher Jr.	...	Himself (as Charles D. Rosher)
Vilmos Zsigmond	...	Himself
Stephen H. Burum	...	Himself
Harry L. Wolf	...	Himself (as Harry Wolf)
Charles Lang	...	Himself (as Charles B. Lang)
Sven Nykvist	...	Himself

Also Known As:

Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography

Runtime:

UK:92 min

Country:

USA | Japan

Language:

English

Colour:

Black and White | Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Australia:PG | UK:PG

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

American Film Institute (AFI)

Trivia:

Most of the interviews with Cinematographers were shot using early HDTV production equipment, in order to introduce HDTV to Hollywood Cinematographers. NHK-Japan provided the equipment, hoping that American Cinematographers would start using the new technology.

Movie Connections:

Features Sunset Blvd. (1950)

Soundtrack:

Shadow Waltz

You'll never look at a film the same way after seeing this!!!

This is a great, I repeat great, documentary on the history of cinematography. No film student should be without it!! It covers all the changes in technology and techniques and its impact on film.

It brilliantly shows the freedom of camera movement during the silent period and how things became more restricted when sound was added later and the transition from B/W to Color. But most importantly, clearly depicts how Directors of Photography over came these limitations and created new techniques which changed film history forever. Brilliant!!!! You'll never look at a film the same way after seeing this.

Covers many different aspects of "the Hollywood look" and the different "Studio looks" throughout time. Also uncovers the secrets of many DP's and how they made their "Stars" look so incredible!!

I especially like the section on Film Noir and the plethora of absolutely breath taking film clips!!! Included in this gem of a documentary are great clips from classics like the 1947 version of "Oliver Twist" and examples from some of the greatest DP's of all time!!! Arthur Miller...etc...

Very entertaining!! Even for non-film buffs!!! I've showed this documentary to friends and relatives and they all seem to watch with amazement!!!

I liked it so much I just had to buy it!