The 2018 coming-of-age film Mid90s, written and directed by Jonah Hill, is a nostalgic ode to the skateboarding culture of the 1990s. The movie’s success can be attributed to its authentic portrayal of the era, which is reflected in its cinematography, costume design, and soundtrack. One of the key elements that contributed to the film’s visual aesthetic is the camera used to capture the story. In this article, we will delve into the world of cinematography and explore the cameras used in Mid90s.
The Cinematography of Mid90s
Mid90s was shot by cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt, who is known for his work on films like The Bling Ring and The Blackcoat’s Daughter. Blauvelt’s cinematography in Mid90s is characterized by its use of natural lighting, handheld camera movements, and a muted color palette. The film’s visual aesthetic is reminiscent of the 1990s, with a mix of grainy textures and soft focus.
To achieve this look, Blauvelt and his team used a combination of film and digital cameras. The primary camera used for the film was the Panavision Panaflex Gold II, a 35mm film camera that was popular in the 1990s. The Panaflex Gold II is known for its compact size, lightweight design, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for handheld shooting.
The Panavision Panaflex Gold II: A Cinematographer’s Choice
The Panavision Panaflex Gold II is a 35mm film camera that was introduced in the 1990s. It is a modified version of the original Panaflex, which was released in the 1970s. The Panaflex Gold II features a redesigned body, improved ergonomics, and a more compact size. The camera is also equipped with a built-in video tap, which allows the cinematographer to monitor the footage in real-time.
The Panaflex Gold II was widely used in the 1990s and early 2000s, with many notable films shot on this camera, including Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption, and The Matrix. The camera’s popularity can be attributed to its reliability, flexibility, and high image quality.
Why the Panavision Panaflex Gold II was chosen for Mid90s
In an interview with American Cinematographer, Christopher Blauvelt explained why he chose the Panavision Panaflex Gold II for Mid90s. Blauvelt stated that he wanted to create a film that looked like it was shot in the 1990s, and the Panaflex Gold II was the perfect camera to achieve this look. He also praised the camera’s compact size and lightweight design, which allowed him to shoot handheld with ease.
Blauvelt also mentioned that he used a combination of Kodak film stocks, including Kodak Vision3 500T and Kodak Vision3 250D, to capture the film’s distinctive look. The Kodak Vision3 500T is a high-speed film stock that is known for its fine grain and high sensitivity, while the Kodak Vision3 250D is a daylight film stock that is known for its natural color palette and fine grain.
Digital Cameras Used in Mid90s
In addition to the Panavision Panaflex Gold II, the filmmakers also used digital cameras to capture some of the film’s scenes. The primary digital camera used was the Arri Alexa Mini, a compact and lightweight digital camera that is known for its high image quality and versatility.
The Arri Alexa Mini was used to capture some of the film’s handheld scenes, as well as some of the skateboarding sequences. The camera’s compact size and lightweight design made it ideal for capturing fast-paced and dynamic footage.
The Arri Alexa Mini: A Versatile Digital Camera
The Arri Alexa Mini is a digital camera that was introduced in 2015. It is a compact and lightweight version of the Arri Alexa, which is a popular digital camera used in the film industry. The Alexa Mini features a 4:3 sensor, a dynamic range of 14 stops, and a maximum resolution of 4.6K.
The Alexa Mini is known for its high image quality, versatility, and compact size. It is widely used in the film industry, with many notable films shot on this camera, including La La Land, The Revenant, and The Martian.
Why the Arri Alexa Mini was chosen for Mid90s
In an interview with Filmmaker Magazine, Christopher Blauvelt explained why he chose the Arri Alexa Mini for Mid90s. Blauvelt stated that he wanted to use a digital camera that could capture high-quality footage in a compact and lightweight package. He praised the Alexa Mini’s image quality, versatility, and compact size, which made it ideal for capturing handheld and dynamic footage.
Blauvelt also mentioned that he used the Alexa Mini to capture some of the film’s skateboarding sequences, which required a high degree of mobility and flexibility. The camera’s compact size and lightweight design made it ideal for capturing fast-paced and dynamic footage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cameras used in Mid90s played a crucial role in capturing the film’s distinctive look and feel. The Panavision Panaflex Gold II and the Arri Alexa Mini were the primary cameras used in the film, with the Panaflex Gold II being used to capture the majority of the footage.
The Panaflex Gold II’s compact size, lightweight design, and high image quality made it an ideal choice for capturing handheld and dynamic footage. The Arri Alexa Mini’s versatility, compact size, and high image quality made it an ideal choice for capturing fast-paced and dynamic footage.
The combination of film and digital cameras used in Mid90s helped to create a unique and distinctive look that is reminiscent of the 1990s. The film’s cinematography, costume design, and soundtrack all contributed to its authentic portrayal of the era, making it a nostalgic ode to the skateboarding culture of the 1990s.
| Camera | Format | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Panavision Panaflex Gold II | 35mm film | Variable |
| Arri Alexa Mini | Digital | Up to 4.6K |
Note: The resolution of the Panavision Panaflex Gold II is variable, as it depends on the film stock used and the scanning process.
What cameras were used in the filming of Mid90s?
The cameras used in the filming of Mid90s were primarily 16mm film cameras. The film’s director, Jonah Hill, chose to use these cameras to achieve a nostalgic and retro aesthetic that would complement the film’s 1990s setting. The use of 16mm film cameras also added a layer of authenticity to the film, as it was a common format used during the 1990s.
The specific cameras used in the film were the Arriflex 416 and the Aaton 35. These cameras are known for their compact size and versatility, making them ideal for capturing the intimate and often handheld shots that are characteristic of Mid90s. The use of these cameras also allowed the filmmakers to achieve a unique and distinctive visual style that sets the film apart from other coming-of-age dramas.
Why did the filmmakers choose to use 16mm film cameras?
The filmmakers chose to use 16mm film cameras for several reasons. One reason was to achieve a specific aesthetic that would evoke the feeling of the 1990s. The grainy, textured look of 16mm film was seen as a key element in capturing the spirit of the era. Additionally, the use of film cameras allowed the filmmakers to create a sense of nostalgia and timelessness that would be difficult to achieve with digital cameras.
Another reason for choosing 16mm film cameras was to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The compact size of the cameras allowed the filmmakers to get up close and personal with the actors, capturing their performances in a way that felt raw and unmediated. This approach also allowed the filmmakers to create a sense of spontaneity and improvisation, which added to the film’s sense of realism and authenticity.
How did the use of 16mm film cameras affect the film’s visual style?
The use of 16mm film cameras had a significant impact on the film’s visual style. The grainy, textured look of the film added a layer of depth and complexity to the images, creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The film’s color palette was also influenced by the use of 16mm film, with a focus on muted, earthy tones that evoked the feeling of the 1990s.
The use of 16mm film cameras also allowed the filmmakers to create a sense of movement and energy. The handheld shots and loose framing added a sense of dynamism to the film, capturing the sense of restlessness and rebellion that defined the characters. The film’s visual style was also influenced by the use of natural light, with many scenes shot on location using available light. This approach added to the film’s sense of realism and authenticity.
What were some of the challenges of working with 16mm film cameras?
One of the challenges of working with 16mm film cameras was the need to carefully plan and prepare each shot. Unlike digital cameras, which allow for a high degree of flexibility and spontaneity, film cameras require a more deliberate and considered approach. This meant that the filmmakers had to carefully script and storyboard each scene, taking into account the limitations of the cameras and the film stock.
Another challenge was the need to manage the film stock itself. The filmmakers had to carefully monitor the amount of film they were using, as well as the exposure and lighting conditions, to ensure that they were getting the best possible results. This required a high degree of technical expertise and attention to detail, as well as a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges.
How did the filmmakers overcome the challenges of working with 16mm film cameras?
The filmmakers overcame the challenges of working with 16mm film cameras through a combination of careful planning, technical expertise, and creative problem-solving. They worked closely with the cinematographer and camera team to develop a detailed shooting plan, taking into account the limitations of the cameras and the film stock. They also conducted extensive tests and rehearsals to ensure that they were getting the best possible results.
The filmmakers also had to be flexible and adaptable, as working with film cameras often requires a willingness to adjust to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges. They had to be prepared to make adjustments on the fly, whether it was due to changes in the lighting or unexpected problems with the cameras. This required a high degree of creativity and resourcefulness, as well as a willingness to take risks and try new things.
What role did the cinematographer play in the film’s visual style?
The cinematographer played a crucial role in shaping the film’s visual style. They worked closely with the director to develop a detailed shooting plan, taking into account the limitations of the cameras and the film stock. They also conducted extensive tests and rehearsals to ensure that they were getting the best possible results.
The cinematographer was responsible for creating the film’s distinctive color palette, which was characterized by muted, earthy tones that evoked the feeling of the 1990s. They also worked closely with the camera team to develop a sense of movement and energy, using handheld shots and loose framing to capture the sense of restlessness and rebellion that defined the characters.
What impact did the film’s visual style have on its overall success?
The film’s visual style had a significant impact on its overall success. The use of 16mm film cameras and the distinctive color palette helped to create a sense of nostalgia and timelessness that resonated with audiences. The film’s visual style also added to its sense of realism and authenticity, capturing the spirit of the 1990s in a way that felt raw and unmediated.
The film’s visual style also helped to establish its tone and mood, creating a sense of melancholy and introspection that defined the characters. The use of natural light and handheld shots added to the film’s sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the audience into the world of the characters and creating a sense of emotional connection. Overall, the film’s visual style was a key element in its success, helping to establish it as a critically acclaimed and culturally relevant film.