Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography

Released 1992
Narrated by 
Directed by Arnold Glassman, Todd McCarthy

Often, one of the most overlooked elements of a film is its cinematography. Paradoxically, it is also the most important, whether specifically noticed or not. Movies are a visual medium where the pictures shoulder the lion's share of the burden. A movie can have a good director, accomplished actors, and a riveting script, but if the photography is poor, the production is doomed.

"Visions of Light" will enthrall lovers of movies and photography buffs alike. For those that happen to fall into both categories, it's a rare treat. This documentary presents an insider's view of the cinematographer's role, interviewing dozens of today's most accomplished directors of photography, examining their work, and looking back on the great productions of the past. I defy anyone who sees this movie to emerge with an unchanged attitude towards cinematography. It's likely that in the next film you see, you'll be far more aware of camera's role in the creative process.

Summary by James Berardinelli

One of the most beautiful and effective shots shown in this film is from Richard Brooks' "In Cold Blood," photographed by Conrad Hall in 1967. On the night he is to be hanged from the gallows, the murderer played by Robert Blake looks out through a window peppered with rain. Looking through his viewfinder, Hall discovered that the light through the window caught the shadows of raindrops as they trickled down the glass, and projected them against Blake's face, creating the illusion of ghostly tears. "He told me not to move, and not to cry," Blake remembered. The shot cries for him. -- Roger Ebert

This is an outstanding documentary for anyone who wants to understand the role of the cinematographer. If you think they simply point the camera and shoot, you must watch this. --Bill Alward, April 10, 2002