films that inspire . . .
A while back, Laura of a beautiful life (my favorite blog lately, if ya couldn't tell) posted about films that she finds visually inspiring; and since then I've been itching to put down my list. This list, pulled from several genres and eras, is far from complete and in many cases not reflective of the films as story, but here it is (note: in general I tried to avoid costumes, or else I could just have a hey-day):
I'd better stop myself while I can.
You'll notice lighting plays an important role in the list above, although until recently it's not something that I've understood or paid a lot of attention to. Right now we're going through the lighting section of our stage design class, which makes a huge difference. While I may not be able to understand it, I certainly am getting better at recognizing it!
Speaking of stage design, I hope to post some of my "preliminary process portfolio" for the costuming of The Importance of Being Earnest, which will be my final project for stage design. Don't hold your breath, but it's coming!
- Bewitched for: Overall art direction
While I don't recommend all of the humor, I enjoy the overall art direction of this film. Something about the colorful wardrobe, bright sets, the bantering dialogue, or maybe it's just Nicole Kidman's curls, but I giggle whenever it's on. - The Devil Wears Prada for: Set decoration and costumes
The sophisticated offices of Miranda Priestly and Runway magazine form the perfect backdrop for the stunning array of clothing. Heck, throw lighting in there, too. - Laura for: Lighting, music, costume
So much to love about this film. Lighting and music are superb. They cut parts of the film out so as not to offend thrifty WWII sensibilities, but the extravagant costumes are rare and lovely examples of 40s glamour. - North and South for: Lighting
Finally bought this one this weekend. It's a great story, but really, it's the lighting that is so incredibly beautiful, perhaps my favorite lighted film. The way they filmed the cotton mills is absolutely incredible. - Sleeping Beauty for: Line and style
I love the stylized lines and forms of this film, from the joyous Christening procession to Princess Aurora lying asleep in her tower. You can especially tell in this early Disney cartoon (the first to be done in widescreen) that the animation artists are playing with the visual style of animation. - The Village for: Composition
Inspiring in many ways - the music, the symbolism attached to certain objects and the use of color - but preemptorily in the composition of shots on screen. "Composition" is really the perfect word for this film - you feel as if every moment was composed. - The Winslow Boy for: Cinematography
The cinematography of this very-British drama becomes its own narrator, telling the story through various visual and textual media of the period as much as through dialogue. Lighting is beautiful, too. - Funny Face for: Audrey Hepburn, Givenchy, Richard Avedon, Fred Astaire, George Gershwin, and Paris. What's not to inspire?
I'd better stop myself while I can.
You'll notice lighting plays an important role in the list above, although until recently it's not something that I've understood or paid a lot of attention to. Right now we're going through the lighting section of our stage design class, which makes a huge difference. While I may not be able to understand it, I certainly am getting better at recognizing it!
Speaking of stage design, I hope to post some of my "preliminary process portfolio" for the costuming of The Importance of Being Earnest, which will be my final project for stage design. Don't hold your breath, but it's coming!