The 2019 psychological thriller Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. The film’s gripping narrative, coupled with Joaquin Phoenix’s mesmerizing performance, has garnered widespread critical acclaim. One of the key elements that contributed to the film’s success is its exceptional cinematography. In this article, we will delve into the world of cinematography and explore the camera used to film Joker.
The Cinematographer’s Vision
Lawrence Sher, the cinematographer behind Joker, is a highly acclaimed professional with a plethora of experience in the film industry. Sher’s collaboration with Todd Phillips dates back to 2004, when they worked together on the film Starsky & Hutch. Since then, they have collaborated on several projects, including The Hangover trilogy and War Dogs.
Sher’s vision for Joker was to create a gritty, realistic aesthetic that would complement the film’s narrative. He drew inspiration from the works of Martin Scorsese, particularly the 1976 film Taxi Driver, which also explores themes of isolation and madness.
Camera Selection
When it comes to selecting a camera for a film, cinematographers consider several factors, including the type of story being told, the desired aesthetic, and the budget. For Joker, Sher chose to use a combination of digital and film cameras.
The primary camera used for filming Joker was the Arri Alexa 65. This camera is a popular choice among cinematographers due to its exceptional image quality, versatility, and reliability. The Arri Alexa 65 is a digital camera that captures stunning 6.5K resolution images, making it ideal for capturing the intricate details of the film’s narrative.
In addition to the Arri Alexa 65, Sher also used 35mm film cameras for certain scenes. The use of film cameras added a unique texture and grain to the footage, which complemented the film’s gritty aesthetic.
Why Film Cameras?
In an era where digital cameras dominate the film industry, Sher’s decision to use film cameras for Joker may seem unconventional. However, there are several reasons why film cameras were chosen for certain scenes.
Firstly, film cameras provide a unique aesthetic that is difficult to replicate with digital cameras. The grain and texture of film footage add a level of depth and complexity to the images, which complemented the film’s narrative.
Secondly, film cameras allow for a more organic and naturalistic approach to filmmaking. The process of loading film, setting up the camera, and capturing each shot is more labor-intensive than using digital cameras. This process allows the cinematographer to slow down and focus on the details of each shot, resulting in a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to filmmaking.
Lighting and Composition
In addition to camera selection, lighting and composition play a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic of a film. For Joker, Sher employed a range of lighting techniques to create a moody and atmospheric visual landscape.
The film’s color palette is predominantly dark and muted, with a focus on blues and greys. This color scheme complements the film’s narrative, which explores themes of isolation and madness.
Sher also employed a range of composition techniques to create a sense of tension and unease. The use of close-ups, medium shots, and long shots creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the world of the film.
The Use of Practical Lighting
One of the key elements that contributes to the film’s aesthetic is the use of practical lighting. Practical lighting refers to the use of real-world light sources, such as lamps, candles, and sunlight, to illuminate a scene.
The use of practical lighting adds a level of realism and authenticity to the footage, making the world of the film feel more tangible and immersive. Sher employed a range of practical lighting techniques, including the use of fluorescent lights, neon signs, and candles, to create a moody and atmospheric visual landscape.
Creating a Sense of Tension
The use of lighting and composition also plays a crucial role in creating a sense of tension and unease. Sher employed a range of techniques, including the use of shadows, silhouettes, and close-ups, to create a sense of unease and uncertainty.
The film’s score, composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, also plays a crucial role in creating a sense of tension and unease. The score is a haunting and atmospheric soundscape that complements the film’s narrative, adding to the overall sense of unease and uncertainty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the camera used to film Joker is a combination of digital and film cameras, with the Arri Alexa 65 being the primary camera used for filming. The use of film cameras adds a unique texture and grain to the footage, complementing the film’s gritty aesthetic.
The cinematography of Joker is a masterclass in creating a moody and atmospheric visual landscape. The use of lighting, composition, and practical lighting techniques creates a sense of tension and unease, drawing the viewer into the world of the film.
The success of Joker is a testament to the power of exceptional cinematography. The film’s gripping narrative, coupled with its stunning visuals, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
What camera was used to film Joker?
The camera used to film Joker was the Arri Alexa 65. This camera was chosen for its exceptional image quality and its ability to capture a wide range of colors and contrast levels. The Arri Alexa 65 is a high-end digital camera that is widely used in the film industry for its reliability and versatility.
The Arri Alexa 65 was used in conjunction with a range of lenses, including the Panavision System 65 lenses, to create the distinctive look of the film. The camera’s ability to capture high-quality images in a range of lighting conditions was particularly important for Joker, which features a mix of bright, colorful scenes and darker, more muted ones.
Why was the Arri Alexa 65 chosen for Joker?
The Arri Alexa 65 was chosen for Joker because of its exceptional image quality and its ability to capture a wide range of colors and contrast levels. The film’s cinematographer, Lawrence Sher, wanted to create a distinctive look for the film that would reflect the protagonist’s growing instability and madness. The Arri Alexa 65 was chosen for its ability to capture high-quality images in a range of lighting conditions, from the bright, colorful scenes of the film’s opening to the darker, more muted scenes of its climax.
The Arri Alexa 65 was also chosen for its reliability and versatility. The camera is widely used in the film industry and is known for its ability to withstand the demands of a busy shooting schedule. This was particularly important for Joker, which was shot on location in New York City and required a high degree of mobility and flexibility.
What lenses were used to film Joker?
The lenses used to film Joker were the Panavision System 65 lenses. These lenses were chosen for their ability to create a distinctive, cinematic look that would reflect the film’s themes and tone. The Panavision System 65 lenses are a range of high-end lenses that are designed to work with the Arri Alexa 65 camera.
The Panavision System 65 lenses were used to create a range of different looks for the film, from the bright, colorful scenes of the film’s opening to the darker, more muted scenes of its climax. The lenses were also used to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the world of the film and creating a sense of connection with the protagonist.
How did the cinematography contribute to the film’s themes?
The cinematography of Joker contributed to the film’s themes by creating a distinctive, cinematic look that reflected the protagonist’s growing instability and madness. The film’s use of color, contrast, and composition helped to create a sense of tension and unease, drawing the viewer into the world of the film and creating a sense of connection with the protagonist.
The cinematography also helped to explore the film’s themes of isolation and loneliness. The use of long takes and close-ups created a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the world of the film and creating a sense of connection with the protagonist. The cinematography also helped to create a sense of claustrophobia and confinement, reflecting the protagonist’s growing feelings of isolation and disconnection.
What was the inspiration for the film’s cinematography?
The inspiration for the film’s cinematography came from a range of sources, including the films of Martin Scorsese and the photographs of Diane Arbus. The film’s cinematographer, Lawrence Sher, wanted to create a distinctive, cinematic look that would reflect the film’s themes and tone. He drew inspiration from a range of different sources, including the gritty, realistic films of the 1970s and the surreal, dreamlike photographs of Diane Arbus.
The film’s cinematography was also influenced by the work of other cinematographers, including the work of Roger Deakins and Emmanuel Lubezki. The film’s use of long takes and close-ups was influenced by the work of these cinematographers, who are known for their innovative and expressive use of the camera.
How did the film’s cinematography help to create a sense of tension and unease?
The film’s cinematography helped to create a sense of tension and unease by using a range of different techniques, including the use of close-ups, long takes, and handheld camera work. The film’s use of close-ups created a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the world of the film and creating a sense of connection with the protagonist.
The film’s use of long takes and handheld camera work also helped to create a sense of tension and unease. The use of long takes created a sense of realism and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the world of the film and creating a sense of connection with the protagonist. The use of handheld camera work created a sense of instability and unpredictability, reflecting the protagonist’s growing feelings of anxiety and unease.
What was the role of the cinematographer in the film’s production?
The role of the cinematographer in the film’s production was to create a distinctive, cinematic look that would reflect the film’s themes and tone. The cinematographer, Lawrence Sher, worked closely with the film’s director, Todd Phillips, to develop a visual strategy for the film. He was responsible for choosing the camera and lenses, as well as for working with the lighting and camera teams to create the desired look.
The cinematographer also played a key role in the film’s production, working closely with the director and other members of the crew to ensure that the film’s visual elements were aligned with its themes and tone. He was responsible for creating a sense of tension and unease, as well as for exploring the film’s themes of isolation and loneliness.