Cinematographer Robert Elswit Breaks Down 'Ripley's' Striking Black & White Cinematography

[@Tomismyusername]

Ripley is one of the best-looking shows I've ever seen. What an incredible job he did.

[@AdrianUrsanu]

This happens only when old school guys with taste are doing the job

[@seemee548]

This was the worst ripley BECAUSE of the pathetic high school film club use of b/w; only because "b/w" is superficially considered deep. So yes, ripley is bad and b/w makes him look badder. that's the deep film making talent we got here folks. The best ripleys were with delon and damon. Because the color was used to "contrast" and "mask" the devoid monochrome character of the ripleys. This usage of b/w with a monochromatic character is literally beating the point to death. And even worse, this b/w committed the cardinal sin of filmmaking. It was Boring.

[@ChrisAnderson-z9i]

@@seemee548 Watch out we got a cinema edgelord here.

[@seemee548]

@@ChrisAnderson-z9i no, i just have eyes and taste. Unlike these b/w amateurs'.

[@seemee548]

@@ChrisAnderson-z9i And what's an edgelord? Can't you explain your thoughts without shortcuts that are trendy (i'm assuming it's some current nomenclature that will be forgotten in a month). I bet you use symbols too.

[@RyanCalavano]

I'd watch Mr. Elswit breakdown every scene of the entire show. Gorgeous from start to finish.

[@seemee548]

This was the worst ripley BECAUSE of the pathetic high school film club use of b/w; only because "b/w" is superficially considered deep. So yes, ripley is bad and b/w makes him look badder. that's the deep film making talent we got here folks. The best ripleys were with delon and damon. Because the color was used to "contrast" and "mask" the devoid monochrome character of the ripleys. This usage of b/w with a monochromatic character is literally beating the point to death. And even worse, this b/w committed the cardinal sin of filmmaking. It was Boring.

[@rl7257]

Where I can watch this show?

[@Coco-zu9ob]

​@@rl7257 Netflix

[@FredrikSkievan]

@@seemee548 Boo hoo. The series was great and it was highly enthralling throughout. Do you need colors and subway surfers to keep yourself entertained?

[@creolelady182]

@@rl7257 netflix

[@mrstandfast2212]

Mr Elswit can rightly be proud of this work. Every frame is like a photograph. Hearing the background details from the actual cinematographer is wonderful.

[@Jen-ur4ut]

This series was so beautifully shot, it’s ridiculous. Nothing else this year or possibly for many years even comes close. He should win this category without a doubt!

[@AndrzejJeczen]

You can tell it's a labour of love. It's a masterpiece in my eyes.

[@brucekennedy5274]

I’m so glad he talked about those trees! Yes they look unnatural, but soo beautiful, ethereal. Exactly as he’s says, like a painting or an etching even, also very reminiscent of old movie lighting to me. Ripley is a phenomenal work from everyone involved, but his cinematography really is the jewel in the crown - jaw dropping and I expect will be discussed and compared for years to come.

[@patrickchappell5821]

You were amazing, Mr. ELSWIT!! Some of the best cinematography I've ever seen.

[@assia3135]

Absolute genius! A master painter of the world on camera, what a talent this man is. Beautiful way of capturing and telling a story, thoroughly enjoyed it. Love Andrew Scott but the show is nothing without the magic that they created here.

[@kbd9765]

One of the most gorgeous, beautifully realised shows of the year. The look heightened the otherworldly, surreal nature of it all so it felt like we were transported to illustrations, paintings and dreams of the time. Such top tier work. More!

[@shenkaed]

This was such a stunning show. Executed to perfection. Great to hear how you do it.

[@lloydw9517]

An absolutely stunning series. Best production I have seen in many years. Extraordinary.

[@rodmaxd]

This was such a great show to watch, and the cinematography is just GORGEOUS. Every frame is just pure beauty.

[@rocktheroadtowembley]

Makes me want to watch the whole thing all over again! What a brilliant work of art!

[@itallstartedwith_music]

Oh that's so wonderful to hear at first hand from the master that Robert Elswit is. I also kind of love all that stuff. All that fantastic little details that I noticed watching Ripley the first time: the cat, that the streets are all wet, the nuns walking down the stairs...the black&white and the speed of the storytelling, such a pleasant difference to have time as an audience, to observe and fully dive into the story. I absolutely love the series. Congratulations to the whole team! A wonderful piece of art with great actors I adore. Thank you, Robert Elswit!

[@anthonymahieu8392]

Ripley is the best photography lesson i was ever given.

[@JaimeLannister13]

what an amazing interview, so well spoken about his craft

[@aussiebiketourer8159]

The best thing I’ve seen in decades, in theatre or on TV. Absolutely stunning. photography, everyone involved is to be congratulated. Beautiful.

[@befkadu1]

Stunning cinematography! Each frame is well composed and satisfying to look at.

[@seemee548]

This was the worst ripley BECAUSE of the pathetic high school film club use of b/w; only because "b/w" is superficially considered deep. So yes, ripley is bad and b/w makes him look badder. that's the deep film making talent we got here folks. The best ripleys were with delon and damon. Because the color was used to "contrast" and "mask" the devoid monochrome character of the ripleys. This usage of b/w with a monochromatic character is literally beating the point to death. And even worse, this b/w committed the cardinal sin of filmmaking. It was Boring.

[@capitalt3977]

@@seemee548 Your arrogant screed becomes exponentially more hilarious and pathetic each time you copy and paste it.

[@eeeffert6042]

@@capitalt3977 did i hurt your bum?

[@donnaarsenoff8399]

I’ve watched it twice, and the second time I noticed so much more. It’s about time for my third watch. Such an incredible series.

[@RandyPollock]

You could freeze a frame anytime during Ripley and get a powerful image that could stand on its own.

[@fingersmcginty]

I just began watching this series, having avoided Netflix for a few years. And just finished the episode Elswit discusses here. One of the aspects of the show I love are the little details in the insert shots, and of course how they play out later. First time Tom buys that crystal ashtray you know someone's going to get bonked with it; there's that old rule about theatre that if there's a gun on the back wall in act one, it has to be used by act three. The cat...as a cat servant I loved that cat: always checking things out, and the cat casting was superb. That final 1/2 second where they bleed in the paw prints in color was brilliant.

[@FilmedbyEdmund]

No wonder he won an Emmy for THAT episode!

[@PawFromTheBroons]

This show is ridiculously beautiful. You can hit Pause randomly anywhere, and get a banger. If any show deserved the Every Frame a Painting monicker, it's most definitely this one.

[@markewing7898]

So refreshing to see a series that displays the work of people who are masters at what they do. It was a sumptuous production and deserved every plaudit 👏👏👏

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Such a stunning project. They all have so much to be proud of. Filmmaking at its best.

[@phototristan]

I can’t imagine the show in color. I think the black and white was excellent.

[@sewquilty]

Can't say it enough--Breathtaking!!

[@gregorystarke]

My all time favorite cinematographer! ❤

[@austindrawhorn2141]

From the first scene to the end of the first episode, I was convinced there was no way to keep this caliber of beauty and intention consistent throughout the entire series. So blown away that they pulled it off

[@etch-a-life]

Beautiful miniseries, well done!

[@apollonia1000]

Yes this series was a joy to watch. Fine art, and masterpiece of cinematography. Thanks for resurrecting this art form for general consumption.

[@iangeorge7913]

This is the best use of black and white cinematography in any project of the past ten years. Elswit creates such strong images by controlling the contrast so expertly. I honestly am usually very skeptical of new projects that are in black and white because they often can feel alienating towards the character or story and just make the visuals hard to absorb, but the use of bnw here was not only gorgeous but thematically appropriate as well.

[@macdonaldthobang]

Mank? The lighthouse? Roma? El conde?

[@filmladyproduction]

Amazing Netflix Series! Thank you!

[@christinecc2558]

master piece in every frame . so good ! really inspiring , thank you

[@iannaok]

Right after the first 5 minutes of this show I said :"the cinematography of this show it's just fantastic"...and if really was for the entire show...just amazing...sooooo many details...unbelievable work...must win some golden globes ...a must watch

[@franktodaro3759]

Simply master class on multiple levels. Please, streaming gods, let these talented people make more.

[@sprucemoose3000]

I found it amazing shot, as a photographer I just loved it, it’s defiantly my favourite show of the decade. I’ll be rewatching.

[@johnbrunedigital1]

Excellent video. Love Elswit's work!

[@erikandersenphoto631]

Wonderful to see this. It’s a beautiful and dark show.

[@IScreamer]

Great insight! Now I know why I enjoyed the black and white so much!

[@ali.sommane]

Dear Mr Robert Elswit,you’re a mothaeffing genius. Thank you for this masterpiece

[@TheTinker394]

Loved it from start to finish the lighting ,sets , acting immersed me in the world. The indoor church and painting and stair shots where striking

[@TopshelfJunior]

Ok, aside from Ripley being SO good...this whole interview / talk piece was AMAZING ! Learned a lot !

[@vladbobe26]

This was beautiful! Im a bit surprised they werent inspired by The Third Man for this scenes, seems so similar compositionally and lighting wise

[@fenraven]

I just watched the entire series again. It's so good! B&W was the right choice for this.

[@jamielehn6926]

Absolutely phenomenal work!

[@LitterboxKing]

Blessings to you forever, Master.

[@hugdeez]

That movie is pure eye candy.

[@filmladyproduction]

I have many questions. First how did this actor continually bump his head, I know there were sound effects, but it really looked like it would hurt. How did you do that? The beach scene was so subtle I didn't see Dakota laying there and definitely didn't catch the shadow you mentioned, love it! The crispness high quality to this black and white film was amazing, lighting is Everything!

[@YT2024Hayward]

best cinematography in a long time, you can turn of the sound and just watch it

[@StephenWSanders]

Great video and loved the cinematography. I wonder if they do a Season 2 based on Ripley Underground if they would stick with b/w or move to color film to emulate a late-60s/early-70s New Hollywood feel that fits the time period of the later novel.

[@dominey]

I wondered about those bright trees. So wrong, yet, so right.

[@ryanpostas]

a master at work

[@chadlanc]

They really need to make a coffee table book of the shots from this series

[@hotglassfilms]

One of the best shows of the year!

[@michaelpennington7800]

Incredible work!

[@erikdendress]

An in incredible piece of filmmaking I couldn’t believe how slowly the death and removal of Freddy transpired it was amazing

[@hanhanliu7880]

Ripley is so beautiful, I could just look at it forever.

[@danieljohnpeters]

A masterpiece, beautiful

[@ArchieAndy27]

Bond fans will also know his work from the 1997 film, Tomorrow Never Dies 😅 I'm a huge fan of Ripley, both the films and the Highsmith novels and this is one of the best looking adaptations in a long time, thanks to Elswit. I've wanted Andrew Scott to be cast as Ripley for the longest time, he's such a versatile actor!

[@AndrewNatalePhotography]

What an incredible job you did on this show....so god dayum good.

[@tychomagneticanomaly]

Fantastic job, thank you!

[@alessandrosette6955]

This series inspire me to take my old Leica up again

[@LycanVisuals]

Ripley was so damn beautiful that it didn't bother me with them choosing to make Italy of all places black and white lol

[@RashtaEinthisB]

4:26 thats some caligari type shit and it hits the SPOT

[@coach_yo]

Great cinematography. This visuals are masterpiece

[@michaelpennington7800]

I love this production.

[@antenisadurmishaj]

Andrew ❤

[@fretbuzz59]

Video title: discussion of the cinematography. First words spoken: plot spoiler. Thanks Variety.

[@memento.christo]

Masterclass frames from episode 1 to episode 8

[@DingoTheDog]

I truely relished this series, however I missed one element of cinematography, that I felt was essential - film grain. As for b&w film set in 1960s Italy this image is too sterile and sharp. I know that there are amazing textures that enrich the frame but still, film grain would bring palpable sense to those amazing compositions.

[@area51pictures]

Unquestionably a consummate craftsman. Hard to respect anyone who doesn't respect Elswit's craft -- even if he's not their jam.

[@Turbike]

By far my favorite show of the year... maybe decade

[@Iamnotthebodyiamnotthemind]

Just imagine Ripley in color instead off B&W it wouldn’t be that interesting

[@jpm5205]

Amazing show. Gorgeous cinematography. I'd an old fashioned romantic comedy/drama in Paris filmed like this - a la Roman Holiday or Un homme et une femme.

[@luci0c4s3]

Is he talking about Vistavison 35mm 8-perf?

[@andilematomela2043]

Amazing show

[@robertslegers257]

He stole the pen then returned it. Then received continuous compliments on the pen. I loved that Dickie had a Leica. Marge had a Kodak.

[@jeffmihaly]

Brilliant!

[@helpfixstupid6190]

Soooo good

[@colinmacfarlane6838]

Every shot is like a caravaggio painting 😅

[@2424rocket]

Elswit is amazing. If you recall, he also shot “there will be blood“… Maybe the best movie since the Godfather. And although the cinematography in Ripley is absolutely gorgeous… The movie sucks. It is completely uninvolving and there is no charisma with the actors whatsoever. But I just watch it with the sound turned off and then I don’t have to watch their incredibly bad acting. But I will watch anything that Elswit shoots.

[@FastEddie86]

Best movie since the godfather? Come on

[@kbd9765]

Knowing that none of us speak objectively or for all movies of all time, and this is all our own opinions, and also that Ripley is a TV show, not a movie: I'm surprised that you found the acting uninvolving! I found it so beautifully realised, micro tells and understated performances that made the whole thing feel refined and respectful of its audience. Also I think There Will Be Blood is maybe better than The Godfather... in my opinion...

[@FastEddie86]

@@kbd9765 it’s not better. You prefer it.

[@kbd9765]

@@FastEddie86 that’s what I’m saying: :)

[@FastEddie86]

@@kbd9765you prefer it doesn’t mean it’s better though because it’s not

[@liamhoole9865]

Fascinating that it was shot with the intention of possibly being released in color. Must have spent a lot of time toiling over color just in case. Sounds stressful.

[@sweetdeathofsenses]

Yeeeeeeeah...the only plot hole of the whole series is the fact one could NEVER clean blood from wooden parquet like that one (spina di pesce) especially when the cadaver waited there for HOURS.

[@vvvvgggg]

Really couldn't find a table out of shot for him to put the drink down huh.

[@amitpoddar899]

every frame was a painting of sorts

[@skysedgeproductions6170]

You forgot turning cat paws prints into black color. Otherwise great job.

[@BobMori]

Presented by HBO MAX FYC ? This is on Netflix.

[@tb22k]

😅😅😅

[@seemee548]

Bob. This was the worst ripley BECAUSE of the pathetic high school film club use of b/w; only because "b/w" is superficially considered deep. So yes, ripley is bad and b/w makes him look badder. that's the deep film making talent we got here folks. The best ripleys were with delon and damon. Because the color was used to "contrast" and "mask" the devoid monochrome character of the ripleys. This usage of b/w with a monochromatic character is literally beating the point to death. And even worse, this b/w committed the cardinal sin of filmmaking. It was Boring.

[@Secession1900]

It's a shame you are incapable of understanding and appreciating B&W. I feel sorry for you.

[@simarock]

Honestly disliked this look most. Very much sharp, composition is horrible and gives a phone vibe more then a cinema camera.

[@stewiewonder2601]

This series just got me hooked from the beginning - not thanks to story (this came later, 3-4 episode), but thanks to these amazing frames.

[@ivannano]

It was brilliant in look/feel that perfectly matched the story. I do enjoy people who are good at what they do.