david fincher style

[omar robles]

Can you talented dps in this forum share some insight in the style of david fincher. Based on watching his films, he has a common visual look that i can't exactly put my finger on. He seems to use overhead fluorescents. And the lighting seems low key, moody. How do you think he accomplishes this? Or do you guys think he accomplishes a lot of his look in post?

 

[Steve Das]

And the lighting seems low key, moody. How do you think he accomplishes this? Or do you guys think he accomplishes a lot of his look in post?

Actually think his Dp's accomplish this look..mostly by use of home depot
style lights..fluorescents and harsh looking work lights such as were
used in Fight Club. But yes also post is involved I would think as most
of the colors are very stylized and not natural looking.

 

[Shawn Booth]

cinematographer Dariusz Khondji lights extremely well at low levels and pushing the film stock...

check out "Reflections" and "New Cinematographers" (both books) for great insight to "Se7en"...

A lot of the look is not accomplished in post... It is achieved through collaboration with the production designer, the lighting, the cinematographer's knowledge and experience and craft, and of course, the director's vision...

the Home Depot lights were basically just practicals...

 

[Tim Hole]

Will have to check out those books Shawn, are they based on chapters by cinematographers or more general than that?

BTW love the name of your RED, never noticed that before...the shadow that Scorsese has always been chasing (excuse the pun!)

 

[dino g]

I would caution you to not give the cinematographers all the credit on his movies/commercials. he is very very involved with placing lights, the type of lights and how all of the light is cut. few things on a DF set are beyond his reach and do not have his specific signature.

 

[Shawn Booth]

Dino - I believe I ended the post with "of the director's vision"...

Despite firing Khondji from Panic Room, the film still has the same visual style as "Se7en".