best cinematography ever…
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Wuthering Heights
rondine — 18 years ago(January 10, 2008 09:25 PM)
Gregg Toland's cinematography in this movie is so wonderful, luminous and beautiful- I am always in awe. I've seen many movies in black and white but this one is the most beautiful.
The black is very black, the white filled with light. I saw in the trivia that this was a new type of camera- the industry standard now- that Mr. Toland used in this film. Whatever it was, it kicks serious ass!!!!!!!!!!! -
Errington_92 — 14 years ago(August 03, 2011 08:30 AM)
There are a number of camera angles that stand out for me. One being the long shot of the Linton's living room as Heathcliff reunites with Cathy and Edgar. Instead of going to a medium close up of Heathcliff as I expected, the camera stays static with the long shot as Heathcliff comes to the foreground and the audience gets to see the changed Heathcliff at the same time Cathy and Edgar do. Therefore we experience the same feelings of anxiousness Cathy must have felt seeing Heathcliff once again.
In the same section of the film there is a low angled shot focused on Heathcliff and Cathy when he tells her, "the truth is I remembered that my father was an emperor of China and my mother was an Indian queen, and I went out and claimed my inheritance. It all turned out just as you once suspected, Cathy". During this speech the low angled shot lets the audience see both character's expressions, Heathcliff with a look of satisfaction by making himself a better position in society along with the sadness of Cathy who seems to be reminiscing her childhood with Heathcliff, remembering their mutual affection.
"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not". -
rondine — 14 years ago(August 29, 2011 11:21 PM)
I agree with you that both of those shots are extremely memorable for the way they frame the scene and add to the drama of the story. I think that is a huge part of what a good cinematographer does. They make the characters even more real to the viewer.
I am reminded of a stand out scene in "Now, Voyager" on the balcony when she says the line, "I'm such a fool, such an old fool! These are only tears" (okay, you get the idea, I've seen it too many times) but in this scene, they push in for an extreme close up so that you feel like it's YOUR head on Paul Henreid's shoulder. Very different angle than the usual in HWood.