Geometric framing in cinematography, in films I love
For me there's a magic when a director of photography uses a style of framing/composition that's in the sweet spot of being geometric and naturalistic, not forced. Here are some favourites so far.
This began with me wondering what visual characteristics some of my favourite films (and photography) have in common. I got Googling.
I learned that ‘geometric framing’ is when the DP utilises lines, shapes and geometry to make up the visual composition of a scene.
For me, this makes the scene zing with an aliveness that I find low-key electrifying. Yum!
As well as looking damn fine, it can also aid with story telling by offering visual cues that reinforce what the film seeks to convey.
Two great examples of this are Stanley Kubrick and Wes Anderson.
Of Kubrick’s films, 2001 A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon (a must-watch if you’ve not seen!) and The Shining are all firm favourites and fairly geometric in style. (I’m waiting for the right moment to watch Eyes Wide Shut, saving this as it’s his last feature film).
Of Wes Anderson’s, Moonrise Kingdom is my favourite. He takes geometric framing to another level, often with tightly managed symmetry.
Roger Deakins is one of my all time big-hitter favourite directors. His style is a hybrid of both naturalistic and geometric (my words). Natural Geometric? Lols. Blade Runner 2045 being a good example.
EDIT: newbie that I am to understanding even the basics of cinematography, I’ve since learned that the film industry instead calls ‘naturalistic’ filming style 'realism’, which makes sense.
I mention all of this because it’s an aspect of my own photography that I aspire to accomplish. I’m still finding the sweet spot between creating images with a helpfully geometric composition, yet aren’t too contrived feeling.
One thing a lot of these films have in common is the 4:3 or ‘academy’ aspect ratio. Perhaps this is reinforcing the impression of geometry.
Some examples below, in films that may not be as well known to you. Hope you may find some new inspiration or watching material here too!
Napoleon Dynamite
There’s an easiness to the framing that I love. I love the whole thing.
Virgin Suicides
I had the Air album for years, but never got around to watching the actual film. Beautiful, warm retro aesthetic, with a soft-thriller edge and the soundtrack fits so well. Trigger warning: suicide reference.
The Limey
There’s an uptightness to the acting of the lead which I can’t work out if it’s just Terrence Stamp’s style, or if it’s the character. Regardless, it’s stylish af throughout.
Until The End of the World
This trailer does not do it justice. All 4.5 hours of it! It’s about an hour too long by my tastes, but Wim Wenders felt this is amongst his best work. I might agree, were it not for Paris Texas. I’ve yet to see the new one, Perfect Days.
Enys Men
I’ve watched this three times now and I’m little closer to fully understanding it. Regardless, I love it for all its visual and plot-losing (my failing) delight.
Godland
Honestly, I’m too much like the main character for my own liking. Working on it.
Some Kind of Heaven
Stumbled upon this while it was on Netflix and rushed and bought the blu ray, but it’s not region B (UK). Oops. Such a great film-doco if you can find it to watch!
The First Reformed
I found it similar in aesthetic and framing to Godland. Trigger warning: suicide reference.
American Honey
I think this should be included here, it’s been a couple of years since I saw it.
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As ever, please put me right if I’m off the mark with any of my understanding and interpretation! And, I’m always eager to discover other great films I may love. So, please recommend away :)
Please, if you know these fillums and know how to characterise/describe what they have in common re how they're framed/composed, please let me know. Because I want to bottle and down in one this visual yum sauce.