Geometric framing in cinematography, in films I love (aka formalism!)

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’ (an aspect of ‘formalism’) is when the director of photography utilises lines, shapes and geometry in the composition in ways that add value to the visual story telling.

E.g. it’s not just a rock, it’s an angular rock that looms large and heavy, taking up much of the frame. The contour of the rock leads our eye down to the frailty of our tired protagonist who is sheltering beneath its triangular shadow, offset by the small round moon high in the sky. And it’s all in balance/tension. It’s a rock, but it’s also more than a rock. Accidental Guy Tal there.

For me, this makes the scene zing with an aliveness that I find low-key electrifying. Yum!

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. See/read also Accidental Wes Anderson.

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.

Brief explainer video re realism vs formalism here.

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 :)