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arts and crafts
the light fantastic
Even as technological advances take some of the mystery away, the UK remains a fertile ground for high quality Directors of Photography. But as much as technology develops, technique remains and aesthetic influences can come from almost any source.
While the increase in film school attendance suggests cinema’s own influence as a principal factor, other art forms – from the old mas- ters to modern architecture – seem to be just as significant.
Jack Cardiff started his screen career as a child actor in silent cinema before he made his name shooting such films as A Matter Of Life & Death, Black Narcissus – for which he won an Oscar – and The Red Shoes. For
him art and painting has been a lifelong source of inspiration.
“I instinctively return to it,” the sprightly 88 year old explains, “I always have. I’m fascinated to see how light plays such a part in estab- lishing the dramatic atmosphere.
“But there is also an extremely important consideration when lighting a set with actors. I must not only be aware of the required mood, I must also fully understand the director’s inten- tion regarding the dramatic atmosphere required.
“A painter works alone and can establish any mood he wants. But a film cameraman should work close to his director’s creative intentions for the basic story. I honestly don’t think there is any room for ‘art for art’s sake’.”
These words of wisdom are echoed by successive genera- tions of cinematographers. Far from being a driven egomaniac determined to maintain his or her own little fiefdom on set, the mod- ern DoP is a dedicated team player.
“It is totally a team sport,” agrees Cinders Forshaw, whose most recent productions include Anita & Me in the cinema, and Tipping The Velvet on television. “What I find exciting about the DP’s job is that you have to take in what everybody else has done. You put your eye to the eyepiece and the whole crew’s work is concentrated right there, in that frame.”
This makes the director-cine- matographer relationship one of the most crucial on any film, every bit as important as casting
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Photos from top l-r: Jack Cardiff, Cinders Forshaw, Nina Kellgren, Alwin Kuchler and Anthony Dod Mantle