In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take you back into their January Film School Series, diving into the 10 must-see masterpieces celebrated for their stunning cinematography, as highlighted in the insightful "Filmmaker's Book of Ten" by award-winning cinematographer Steven Bernstein. From the painterly visuals of Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" to the emotionally charged landscapes of Wong Kar Wai's "In the Mood for Love," (for more of a deep dive into this film, see episode 230), this episode offers a feast for the eyes and the mind. Laura and Stephen discuss the mastery behind each film's visual storytelling, exploring how light, color, and innovative techniques evoke powerful emotions, even in the absence of dialogue. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or a casual moviegoer, this episode will inspire you to appreciate the artistry that goes into creating visually extraordinary cinema. Prepare to see movies in a whole new light!

00:00 Introduction to the episode

01:30 The influence of Steven Bernstein's "Filmmaker's Book of Ten"

03:00 The significance of cinematography in film

05:00 Exploring "Barry Lyndon" and its natural lighting techniques

10:00 The visual revolution of "In the Mood for Love"

14:30 The ethereal beauty of "Days of Heaven"

18:00 The artistic vision behind "The Conformist"

21:00 The raw emotion captured in "Raging Bull"

25:00 The shadowy brilliance of "The Godfather"

28:00 The pioneering techniques of "Citizen Kane"

32:00 The chaotic beauty of "Apocalypse Now"

36:30 Conclusion and reflections on the power of cinematography

For more Laura and Stephen, follow us at @middaymoviespod, @umbrellapodcastcollective, and @facehuggersandfriendspod

For more thoughts from the thoughtful filmmaker & author, Steven Bernstein, check out the following:

- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Filmmaker's Book of Ten⁠ referenced in today's episode

- ⁠His social media⁠⁠⁠

- ⁠⁠⁠His Filmmaker and Fan's Podcast⁠

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Ep 293: Top 10 Films You Must See For Cinematography (“Filmmaker’s Book of Ten” by Steven Bernstein)

Midday Movies