Every film we watch centers on the art of cinematography, which is a craft that can make a decent movie amazing and an average plot into a timeless masterpiece. Some movies go beyond simple entertainment to create sensory experiences.
Whether it’s through stunning landscapes or sensitive close-ups, hyper-addictive cinematography makes you feel like you’re a part of the story. These movies frequently go beyond the parameters of what is technically possible in cinematography, utilizing cutting-edge methods and tools to achieve their aesthetic goals. These are seven movies that exemplify hyper-addictive cinematography:
7. The Following
It is the debut film by Christopher Nolan, released in 1998. Even though this low-budget neo-noir film lacks some of the grandeur of Nolan’s later works, it is still proof of his mastery of cinema’s visual language. The movie’s rough and raw aesthetic matches the dark and mysterious tone of the narrative. It was shot on 16mm black-and-white film. The film’s atmosphere is further enhanced by the black-and-white visuals, which highlight the stark contrast between light and shadow.
The Following is available to watch on Prime Video.
6. The Tree of Life
Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, released in 2011, is a cinematic tour de force that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The cinematography of the movie has a poetic, ethereal quality that is one of its most striking aspects. Emmanuel Lubezki’s cinematography takes us on a journey from the microcosm of a family’s life to the macrocosm of the cosmos, all within the same film.
The Tree of Life is on Apple TV.
5. Voyage of Time
Released in 2016, this Terrence Malick directorial documentary film takes audiences on an extraordinary journey through time and space, seamlessly blending breathtaking imagery and thought-provoking narration. The visuals in the film are a symphony of color, light, and texture. From the birth of stars in cosmic clouds to the tumultuous birth of our planet, every frame is a visual spectacle.
Voyage of Time is on Apple TV.
4. Mother!
Helmed by Darren Aronofsky, and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Mother is a psychological horror film that delves into the increasingly surreal and nightmarish experiences of its central character, simply known as Mother. The cinematography in Mother! is marked by its meticulous attention to detail. While the film is undeniably a visually arresting film, it is equally emotionally intense. The cinematography enhances the emotional impact of the narrative.
Mother! is available to watch on Prime Video.
3. Sucker Punch
Zack Snyder is a filmmaker known for his visually striking and innovative style, and Sucker Punch, released in 2011, is a testament to his ability to create a mesmerizing cinematic experience. The film seamlessly transitions between the bleak and colorless asylum, where Babydoll is confined, and the lush, vibrant fantasy world she escapes to in her mind. The use of color and lighting underscores these differences, evoking a sense of escapism.
Watch Sucker Punch on Netflix
2. Inception
Christopher Nolan’s 2010 mind-bending thriller, Inception, is not only celebrated for its intricate storytelling but also for its visually stunning cinematography. Nolan created a cinematic world that blurs the lines between reality and dreams, making Inception a true visual masterpiece.
Inception is available to watch on Netflix.
1. The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
This unique anthology film by the Coen Brothers is a cinematic mosaic, with each segment offering a distinct tale set in the Old West. It is a truly gorgeous film to look at – absolutely stunning from start to finish. Bruno Delbonnel’s cinematography is spectacular. Wide sweeping vistas, majestic mountains, and stylized towns are all beautifully captured.
Watch The Ballad of Buster Scruggs on Netflix.
