Cinematography: An Analysis of Hoyte van Hoytema's Cinematography

This essay delves into the art and science of cinematography, exploring its evolution and application across various fields. It begins by defining cinematography and highlighting its significance in modern media, emphasizing the impact of digital media and storytelling techniques. The essay then identifies and analyzes the work of several prominent cinematographers, including Darius Khondji, Linus Sandgren, Claudio Miranda, Jeff Cronenweth, and Hoyte van Hoytema, examining their unique styles and contributions to the film industry. The primary focus is on Hoyte van Hoytema, with a detailed examination of his techniques, particularly his use of IMAX cameras and his ability to capture emotions. The essay provides a reflective account of Hoyte van Hoytema's influence, detailing his inspiration, versatility, and the reasons for selecting and following his path. Specific examples of his work, such as "Her" and "Dunkirk," are used to illustrate his innovative approach to cinematography and his ability to depict futuristic technologies and rich textures. The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of Hoyte van Hoytema's work as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and his impact on the industry, highlighting his journey from low-budget films to becoming a sought-after cinematographer.

Running head: CINEMATOGRAPHY
Cinematography
Name of Student
Name of University
Author Note

1
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Best cinematographers...............................................................................................................2
Reason for selecting Hoyte van Hoytema..................................................................................5
Inspiration provided by Hoyte van Hoytema.............................................................................6
Reason for following the path adopted by Hoyte van Hoytema................................................7
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................9
Reference..................................................................................................................................10

2
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Introduction
Cinematography is considered as the science and art of motion picture photography.
According to Joseph V. Mascelli, the art of cinematography can be characterised by the
manner in which lights are recorded and electromagnetic radiation are captured by the image
or sensors (23). The uses of cinematography can be applied in various fields related to
science and business along with the entertainment purposes and mass communication. As
stated by David B. Christianson et al the manner in which light is exposed by the
cinematography helps in creating certain images that inspire people to view the works done
(421). Cinematography is also referred to as directing in which the person in charge of a
movie guides the actors in trying to depict best image. (Shapiro 197) pointed out that in the
modern world; cinematography is conducted by the use of digital media and motion picture.
The use of colour and light is more in the modern cinematography world than it was in the
classical era.
The assignment focuses on the best cinematographers in the modern world and the
works that each of the cinematographers have made. Out of the five cinematographers, one of
the styles of the cinematographer is in focus. A reflective account of the manner in which it
has inspired cinematography is provided. Reasons behind the selection of the
cinematographer as well as following the path led by the cinematography are provided to gain
a proper understanding of the concept.
Best cinematographers
The origin of cinematography can be traced back since the time moving pictures had
been in effect. With the change in times, the method adopted for producing the
cinematography have changed and evolved. As stated by Blain Brown digitalisation and

3
CINEMATOGRAPHY
method of storytelling have had a significant impact on the development of modern cinema
(34). Therefore, it can be said that in order to understand the effectiveness of
cinematography, analysis of some of the best cinematographers in film industry can be
considered. The analysis is based on the works done by the people and the critical recognition
that has been received due to the work done.
Darius Khondji: Darius Khondji is one of the most popular cinematographer in the
modern world. The unique characteristic of Darius Khondji is the manner in which he
changes his style to suit the movie that is being shot. As pointed out by Yu-Chuan Su et al the
lightning effect used by Darius Khondji is the traditional three quarters lightning style (123).
However, in order to suit his style he possesses the ability to light up the screen from the
front. He also possesses the ability to capture any despair that is showed by the characters or
the place. Movies such as se7en are an example of the manner in which Darius Khondji uses
cinematography as a means of gaining status in the movie world.
Linus Sandgren: The entry of Linus Sandgren in the world of cinematography can be
associated his adoption of a frantic directional style. However, the cinematography cannot be
considered as haphazard particularly after the work and effort put in for the Oscar winning
movie La La Land. Linus Sandgren has a knack for using rich and colourful textures in genre
of movies that he is associated with. Comedy movie such as The Hundred Foot Journey as
well as periodical movies such as Battle of the sexes consists of similar art that defines the
work of Linus Sandgren. Tobias Nägeli et al pointed out that Linus Sandgren has received
several positive appreciations for the production designs and customs that bring to mind the
visual symphony of La La Land (132). The works of Linus Sandgren brings about relation
with one another that displays staggering beauty in the big screen.

4
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Claudio Miranda: In the modern world, cinemas have had the use of CG effect to
capture some of the most challenging moments and provide customers with the entertainment
for viewing the cinemas. In the case of Claudio Miranda, such effective use of CG in movies
has brought about great fame for the cinematographer. Works such as Life of Pi and The
Curious Case of Benjamin Button signifies the manner in which CG effects can provide
positive visual effects for the entertainment of the people. As stated by Ioannis Mademlis et
al the designing of the supporting characters in CG effect in the movie Life of Pi can be
considered as the best work for Claudio Miranda which deservedly won the academy award
(566).
Jeff Cronenweth: Very few cinematographers have the ability to light up the
environment around the characters. Jeff Cronenweth is the type of cinematographer who does
exactly this and creates a sense of coldness that each of the character in a movie possess.
Movies like Fight Club, The Social Network, Gone Girl and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
are the examples in which Jeff Cronenweth has displayed the ability to highlight the cold
nature of each of the characters. He has also showed the ability to convert a muddled
environment into an eerie environment and make movies more thrilling (Ioannis Mademlis
675).
Hoyte van Hoytema: Of all the cinematographers that possess the ability to light up a
screen and the characters associated, Hoyte van Hoytema may perhaps have the best ability to
bring out the emotions that each of the characters suffer. The focus is mainly on the
characters and the manner in which this is captured is by the use of IMAX camera. As stated
by Quentin Galvane et al one of the characteristics of Hoyte van Hoytema is the fact that he
can be unpredictable as the type of films that he remains associated are versatile and focuses
more on future technologies (133). Example such as Her and Dunkirk can be used to promote
the cinematography that the person offers to enrich the industry.

5
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Reason for selecting Hoyte van Hoytema
The analysis of the cinematographers provides an analysis of the different techniques
that are used by cinematographers. As observed by Ceri Higgins et al every cinematographer
has a unique technique in approaching a movie and ensuring that the essence of the movie be
captured in a proper manner (343). Hence, in this regard it can be said that in order to follow
a cinematographer, the example of Hoyte van Hoytema can be undertaken. The example of
this particular director is taken to understand the struggle that had encountered in the movie
universe and the manner in which the struggle has brought him success to be the sought after
cinematographer in the modern world.
Ever since his debut work in Let the Right One In, people had understood the talent
that the Swiss born cinematographer possess. Over the years he has continued to grow in the
cinematic universe and have managed to work in bigger projects with reputed directors. Some
of the notable movies that he has been associated with include Her, Dunkirk and Interstellar.
Despite the growing success, the most successful work of Hoyte van Hoytema is Tinker
Tailor Soldier Spy in which the cinematographer had managed to provide rich texture in the
movies. As stated by William Bares and Donald Schwartz the tight rope scenario as well as
division of the dimension in the space is some of the achievements that can be credited by
Hoyte van Hoytema (232).
William Bares et al pointed out that Hoytema does not have a specific technique or
style to the films (239). Unlike Jeff Cronenweth, Hoytema has been associated with films that
require excessive lightning, texture and colour to depict the beauty of the images that are
involved with the movie. This usually provides Hoytema with an opportunity to remain
versatile and ensure that a soft cinematic theme is applied for the development of the movies.
This can be evidenced from the cinematography associated with the movie Her, in which the

6
CINEMATOGRAPHY
cinematographer have applied a single and soft touch to explore the relationship between the
AI and the main character (Michael S. Tooms 455).
The work done in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy had promoted the cinematography
prowess of Hoytema as he had managed to use the images shot with a telephoto lens as visual
references for the movie. The graininess of the pictures was mainly due to the fine capturing
of the images. He had even managed to create a fictive world in which rectangle of various
sizes and figures were demonstrated throughout the film. The realism of the film is mainly
due to the unusual style of photography that has managed to challenge the certainty of the
perception of the viewers. Nicholas J. Wade is of the opinion that the facts that very long lens
were used helped in squeezing every character and images together to perfection (22). Thus,
the incredible cinematography of Hoyte van Hoytema can be an inspiration for aspiring
future film makers.
Inspiration provided by Hoyte van Hoytema
The inspiration provided by Hoyte van Hoytema is the manner in which futuristic
technologies can be foreseen and depicted on screen. This can be seen in the movie Her in
which future technology in the form of a talking AI is applied. Hence, the inspiration to
capture the sumptuous future pallet can be considered as an inspiration for young movie
directors. The rich texture that is used in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy can be considered as
another inspiring work particularly given the fact that images were used to provide the
background of the characters (Chong Huang et al 565).
Apart from this, another inspiring characteristic of Hoyte van Hoytema is the fact that
he needs to be versatile in the cinematography method that is applied by him. This is mainly
because the type of films that he is associated with requires analysis of the characters and the
flow of the script before implying any images. This can be evidenced from the fact that in a

7
CINEMATOGRAPHY
movie like Interstellar, Hoytema has managed to capture the emotions of the characters in a
perfect manner (Philippe Guillotel et al 455). One of the unique characteristic of Hoytema is
the fact that he tends to continue with the development of soft cinematic theme which has
been the pedigree of his success.
The experience of Hoytema in this field provides him with an opportunity to
understand the ratio format and gear that need to be used in films and in a digital manner.
According to Orestis Zachariadis et al this can be considered as a source of inspiration mainly
because of the fact that using of the right gear can help in the development of pictures and
provides consistency in the use of camera (232). The fact that Hoytema has lightning
preferences such as neutral-density filter and the use of Colour Temperature Gel can be
developed once a name has been made in the industry.
Hoytema started out as a junior cinematographer and have grown and developed
based on the talent he possesses. This is mainly because of the techniques used which
includes different manner of using the lights and the effectiveness of the camera (Timothy
Heiderich 77). The fact that from being a regional cinematographer to being one of the most
sought after cinematographer in the American movie industry speaks of the hard work, talent
and innovative method used in approaching a movie. In the modern day, it has been seen that
most effects are provided after post production of the movie. However, in the case of Hoyten,
the preference is to provide the effects with the camera.
Reason for following the path adopted by Hoyte van Hoytema
The path followed by Hoyte van Hoytema can be considered as a form of inspiration
story. He started off in low budget films before achieving bigger things in Tinker Toy and
ultimately running in a league with Christopher Nolan. Hence, the path followed can be
considered as struggling as well as show case of immense talents. In this regard, it can be said

8
CINEMATOGRAPHY
that young and aspiring film makers can take inspiration from the story of Hoytema and
ensure that they develop a proper application of the talents related to cinematography (Rémi
Ronfard 454).
Young film makers such as myself can draw inspiration from the fact that success
with hard work is a possibility and the kind of talents displayed by Hoytema can help in the
development of confidence among cinematographers. I can take inspiration from the manner
in which Hoytema is versatile and that one particular style of cinematography technique is
not associated with him. As stated by Girish Balakrishnan and Paul Diefenbach (778) film
making require proper understanding of the images and the videos that need to be captured.
In my case, I can draw inspiration from the works of Hoytema in order to enrich my
knowledge of cinematography.
Another reason for following the path of Hoytema is the fact that he has worked in
various movies that required different screening as well as image capture. For example, in
Spectre, the cinematography needed to focus on the action sequence while in Interstellar, sci-
fi experience was the focus. I would like to follow the range that is shown by Hoyetma and
the manner in which he uses to focus the cameras on the characters. The fact that he relies on
the effects of camera can be considered as a positive influence for the development of
cinemas. I would like to immerse the characters of the actors with the scene that is associated
with the movie.
Therefore, it can be said that the manner in which every movie is made under the
direction provided by Hoytema can be considered as an inspiration. I would like to follow his
path in which he can provide life motion to the images captured on camera. This can be
considered as a cost effective method of filming the pictures already captured does not need
extra effort to develop again.

9
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Conclusion
Therefore, it can be said that cinematography in the modern day has evolved in a great
manner and have provided opportunities for various people to show case their talents. The
use of camera, lightning, image capture is equally important and essential while developing a
movie. With the development of technology, digital movie making as well as the use of CG
have been a major factor that have affected the growth of movies. Cinematographers such as
Hoyte van Hoytema provide inspiration in working in various fields despite being
unpredictable in the use of camera. The manners in which he can capture the emotions of the
characters provide people an opportunity to connect with the fictional person and enjoy the
brilliance behind the cinematography.
Hence, it can be said that actors and actress playing roles in movies are not the only
factor that contributes to the success of movies. The behind the scene works done by the
cinematographers while assisting the directors are equally important for movies to success
and be recognised for the work. Application of such cinematography techniques can help
future aspirant movie makers to gain success and ensure that inspiration gained can be
implemented for realising the dreams.

10
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Reference
Balakrishnan, Girish, and Paul Diefenbach. "Mobile virtual cinematography system." Art of
film making. 8 Aug. 2017.
Bares, William, and Donald Schwartz. "Film ties: crowd-sourced teaching of cinematography
using intelligent example galleries." Proceedings of the 19th ACM Conference on Computer
Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing Companion. ACM, 2016.
Bares, William, et al. "Film ties: an architecture for collaborative data-driven
cinematography." Proceedings of the Eurographics Workshop on Intelligent Cinematography
and Editing. Eurographics Association, 2015.
Brown, Blain. Cinematography: theory and practice: image making for cinematographers
and directors. Focal Press, 2016.
Christianson, David B., et al. "Declarative camera control for automatic
cinematography." AAAI/IAAI, Vol. 1. 2016.
Galvane, Quentin, et al. "Automated cinematography with unmanned aerial vehicles." arXiv
preprint arXiv:1712.04353(2017).
Guillotel, Philippe, et al. "Introducing basic principles of haptic cinematography and
editing." Eurographics Workshop on Intelligent Cinematography and Editing. 2016.
Heiderich, Timothy. "Cinematography techniques: The different types of shots in
film." Ontario Mining Assosiation. Recuperado de https://www. oma. on.
ca/en/contestpages/resources/free-report-cinematography. pdf(2018).
Higgins, Ceri, et al. Transnational Cinematography Studies. Lexington Books, 2016.

11
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Huang, Chong, et al. "Act: An autonomous drone cinematography system for action
scenes." 2018 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA). IEEE,
2018.
Mademlis, Ioannis, et al. "Challenges in autonomous UAV cinematography: An
overview." 2018 IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo (ICME). IEEE,
2018.
Mademlis, Ioannis, et al. "Overview of drone cinematography for sports filming." European
Conference on Visual Media Production (CVMP)(to be presented as short). 2017.
Mascelli, Joseph V. The five C's of cinematography. Grafic Publications, 2015.
Nägeli, Tobias, et al. "Real-time planning for automated multi-view drone
cinematography." ACM Transactions on Graphics (TOG) 36.4 (2017): 132.
Ronfard, Rémi. "Five challenges for intelligent cinematography and editing." Eurographics
Workshop on Intelligent Cinematography and Editing. 2017.
Shapiro, Robert. "Direct linear transformation method for three-dimensional
cinematography." Research Quarterly. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education
and Recreation 49.2 (2018): 197-205.
Su, Yu-Chuan, Dinesh Jayaraman, and Kristen Grauman. "Pano2Vid: Automatic
Cinematography for Watching 360$$^{\circ} $$ Videos." Asian Conference on Computer
Vision. Springer, Cham, 2016.
Tooms, Michael S. Colour reproduction in electronic imaging systems: photography,
television, cinematography. John Wiley & Sons, 2016.

12
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Wade, Nicholas J. "Capturing motion and depth before cinematography." Journal of the
History of the Neurosciences25.1 (2016): 3-22.
Zachariadis, Orestis, et al. "2D visual tracking for sports UAV cinematography
applications." 2017 IEEE Global Conference on Signal and Information Processing
(GlobalSIP). IEEE, 2017.