Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables isn't your average gangster movie. It’s visually compelling, tightly shot, and filled with moments photographers can learn from about cinematic storytelling.
Coming to you from Sareesh Sudhakaran of wolfcrow, this insightful video breaks down how De Palma crafted a visually stunning narrative. De Palma’s unique approach contrasts the flamboyant, public life of Al Capone against the understated, personal world of Elliot Ness, shaping the visual language to amplify their opposing personalities. Through meticulous camera work, like the split diopter shot, De Palma visually ties characters together, creating tension that’s compelling for both film enthusiasts and visual storytellers alike. The camera movements, particularly notable for their precision despite using challenging anamorphic widescreen lenses, add intensity without confusion. Sudhakaran highlights the effectiveness of these techniques, giving you clear examples you can use to enhance your own visual storytelling.
Beyond the camerawork, the lighting choices discussed in this video are critical for understanding visual storytelling. Cinematographer Stephen Burum's strategy of visually dividing good and evil through color temperature is crucial—warm tones signal safety indoors, while harsh blues dominate the danger-filled Chicago streets. Sudhakaran explains how this deliberate approach sets the film's emotional tone, a technique photographers can incorporate into their work to manipulate mood and meaning effectively. You'll also see how the transformation from urban landscapes to western-style vistas at pivotal scenes contributes to the film's narrative depth, underscoring the importance of environment as a storytelling tool.
The analysis of the famous train station shootout is especially valuable, not just for filmmakers but for anyone interested in visual narrative and pacing. Sudhakaran dissects how De Palma escalates tension from quiet suspense to dramatic chaos, emphasizing visual rhythm and timing. Understanding the deliberate pacing and framing choices in high-tension scenes will inform how you structure your own compositions. The intentional use of color, camera speed, and framing shows how visual storytelling can control audience emotion and reaction. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Sudhakaran.
