40 movies for photographers

my nominee for inclusion would be "Soy Cuba". a 1964 propaganda filmed by Russians in Cuba. What sets it apart is:

* Filmed entirely with an 8 mm lens (16mm camera)
* Entirely hand held with major camera movement being a key cinematography element
* long, L-O-N-G, sequences, some continuous over 2 minutes transitioning with major camera angle changes.
* Outdoor nature scenes filmed with Infrared film (courtesy of Russian army)

These are shown in the initial 5 minute preview I recommend watching.
The famous 2 minute 23 second funeral cortege scene has hand held camera movement from close up ground level, up two stories, through a room, back outside, and down two blocks.

Soy Cuba was considered a disaster in both Russia and Cuba and not shown after the first two weeks.

30 years later, Martin Scorsese saw a copy, was enthralled and showed it to Francis Ford Coppola. They took control presented it to the world receiving many awards including being nominated for an Emmy.
 
I enjoyed High Art and the work of Jojo Whildon. Also of note is some of the moody interior scenes used a technique where film stock was flashed before exposure. I think this effect was used heavily in the film McCabe and Mrs. miller.

3A76CCE0-8707-4CDE-86D5-75D5A872FDA0.jpeg
 
Last edited:
I think my all-time favorite is The Third Man. The cinematography is interesting and just about every scene could be printed and entered in a photo contest. I believe it is the best Orson Welles ever did. He is "the star" but does not appear until the movie is half over and then as just the toe caps of his shoes. It is, if you do not know the film, about immediate post-war Vienna, its corruption, the tri-partite occupation and a fellow who writes cowboy stories. I have watched it many, many times because it is so good and always plays so well. A film noir classic.
 
Back
Top