Visions Of Light - The Art of Cinematography Details

The inventors

I really wish there were more documentaries like this about cinema. The American Film Institute charts the history of the cinematographer through a mixture of talking heads and clips from films. The cinematographers interviewed are a treat to listen to and you really get the impression that necessity was the mother of invention for these guys - they revelled in the budgetary and technical challenges that they were presented with. There are also lots of clips from some of the most beautiful films ever made. One minor quibble: at 90 minutes, it is a little short do the subject full justice. However, as an overview, I would recommend it.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Cinematography Insights

'Visions of light' is a 90-minute documentary which focuses on cinematography, predominantly in Hollywood films. As this is a complex topic to explore, the documentary highlights important works in a loose chronological order, supplementing clips with interviews with contemporary cameramen. This is not an attempt to systematically examine this subject but is meant to be enjoyed, containing as it does, some of the most beautifully shot clips in Hollywood cinema. There are also insights into some of the greatest cameramen and their works as well as some of the tricks of the trade. For anyone wanting to learn more about this fascinating subject in an enjoyable way, this documentary is a useful starting point.