The Focal Length Choices of Famous Film Directors

For photographers, filmmakers, and cinematographers who understand the basics, going deeper into the nuances of focal length can be tremendously informative. This exploration is at the heart of this great video that takes a look at the sophisticated choices of renowned directors and their implications in visual storytelling.

Coming to you from wolfcrow, this informative video takes a look at the focal length choices of famous directors like Orson Welles and Jean-Pierre Jeunet and demonstrates how these decisions are integral to their storytelling techniques. It examines Welles’ use of the 25mm lens in “Citizen Kane” to achieve deep focus and majestic blocking, for example, in a film that is well known for its distinct look. These examples are a testament to how focal length can be leveraged to manipulate spatial perception and emotional response in a narrative. The video’s in-depth discussion on the interplay between focal length, camera format, and visual impact is particularly enlightening for newcomers who getting comfortable with different looks. Moreover, the video sheds light on the evolution of these preferences, offering a dynamic perspective on filmmaking, where ideas and techniques are rarely static. Whether you shoot stills or moving images, it's an informative analysis that is well worth a watch; check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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