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Is arrogance a common trait among cinematographers?

Linda Barzini

Linda Barzini

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i was having a conversation with my friend about an indie film he is shooting. He is working with a first time Director who knows nothing about the filmmaking process. My friend has quite a bit of experience and senses the Director is intimidated and thinks he is arrogant. It seems like most high level cinematographers are technically fantastic, but I have never sensed anything resembling arrogance, in fact, most seem quite humble. Is arrogance a common trait found in Hollywood DPs and Cinematographers?
 
The best guys are very calm and nice usually
 
I have encountered a few huge A-list DPs who were surprisingly kind and down-to-earth, even humble.

And a few who were screamers and very arrogant and difficult.

I think it kind of runs the gamut. But the vast majority of them appreciate problem-solving (particularly in post), and they appreciate anybody who's trying to help them get the job done.
 
Just like martial arts the ones that are the most competent are the ones who are the most humble. Young grasshopper director needs to learn how to walk on rice paper without making a sound...
 
Met Roger Deakins, and he is the nicest person!

I have worked with a couple of dp’s with a bit of arrogance.
 
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There's a lot of different types of people out there. Most of the notable DPs I've met and/or have worked with over the years tend to be people persons. Which is a skill in itself that perhaps should be a part of every film school's curriculum.

That said, I've met a lot of weird folks out there too.

I'll just add though, that sometimes when "green" becomes very apparent it can either produce a great deal of tension on set or provide a unique opportunity for bonding and growth. This sounds like it's sliding down that first path.
 
I'll repeat the words said - usually the better proffessional you are the more calm and humble you become. Arrogance is a thing in people, who mind money first and the craft last.

And yes, there are so many arrogant people in the business, because to some people filmmaking is just a fast lane of cutting money.
 
its said the film business is one that attracts a lot of narcissists / psychopaths .. along with the media in general, academia.. and a few other industries that have been studied ..the media is one of the top industries for it.. although several industries provide good opportunities for the narcissist to step on other people to progress their careers .. you will find research if you search ..
ive certainly rented cameras to a few glib b******s . most will get found out before they reach the top of the industry tree , as filmmaking should be a team effort .. but psychopaths are very clever generally, and good at stealing credit others deserve , so a few get through .. shouting and getting cross is a warning sign .. a good DP will be cool under pressure ..at least , most of the time
this forum is certainly one of the most sycophantic ive ever been on ..and red fanboys never get dry tongues it seems.. it does red no favours frankly .. but will help prepare you to become the yes (wo)man that will help you through your career
 
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Im sure it must be possible to find a DP's who are not a arrogant narcissist. But question, what would you use them for? As if you have such DP then you still need to hire somebody else to fill in the gap, no?

:)
 
Don't worry, Björn, it will be quite easy to find an arrogant narcissist in the crew or cast if the DOP isn't one. The contrary would be a challenge though ;-)

Kristin
 
I think any kind of work that requires specialized, higher paid/status knowledge can result in a kind of work/knowledge-related arrogance. This kind of work can in turn attract or be suited to individuals who are going to act arrogantly anyway, and who can use the job as an excuse to do so.

Cinematography is that kind of work imo.
 
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Linda Barzini said:
i was having a conversation with my friend about an indie film he is shooting. He is working with a first time Director who knows nothing about the filmmaking process. My friend has quite a bit of experience and senses the Director is intimidated and thinks he is arrogant. It seems like most high level cinematographers are technically fantastic, but I have never sensed anything resembling arrogance, in fact, most seem quite humble. Is arrogance a common trait found in Hollywood DPs and Cinematographers?
Click to expand...

I'm trying to find the basis for the generalization and co-relation of that character flaw with this occupation but so far I'm unsuccessful.

With the increase of power, responsibilities and privileges, human character gets tested.
Some fail.
 
I can recall reading an interview a couple of years ago with Jim Cameron who was asked, "how do you respond to people who characterize you as arrogant and difficult?" And he shrugged and said, "I demand world-class crews who work at 110% of their abilities all the time. If you come to work for me and you don't give me your A game the entire time, you're not gonna last. If that's arrogant and difficult, then I qualify." Or words to that effect.
 
Šabović Adis;1760567 said:
110%?! He serious?
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Yes. Many use 110% as an emphatic. Obviously, it is an impossibility. Unless of course they mean to suck the ever-loving life out of you and ten percent on top as well. Then you know you're working with a vampire.
 
Hrvoje Simic said:
I'm trying to find the basis for the generalization and co-relation of that character flaw with this occupation but so far I'm unsuccessful.

With the increase of power, responsibilities and privileges, human character gets tested.
Some fail.
Click to expand...

work in the industry for longer and the fog will lift for you ..
it may be arrogant of you to think you are qualified/ prepared to pull the results of years of research into psychopathy , without doing any research .. so I'm not surprised you can't find a basis for generalisations and co-relation ..surprised you think you'd be able to ;)
the media industry is top of the tree for attracting psychopaths .. ive read a few studies that have all said the same thing

slipping the 30 questions from a psychopathy test into a crew recruitment questionnaire would be a good start..

james Cameron sounds like a tit to work for .. but his films have little to do with meaningful story telling or art , so I wouldn't be surprised
psychopaths have no fear , which can be helpful if producing .. I'm noting Cameron' dangerous deep sea submarine adventures as I write this ..
 
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