In Praise of Subtle Cinematography

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(This video is spoiler free)
Visually evocative, stunningly beautiful films are often the ones that get a lot of attention (for good reason!) for their cinematography. But some of the best cinematography is incredibly subtle and subdued. In this video I highlight some of the ways subtler cinematography can be just as impactful and beautiful.
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#ThomasFlight #Movies #Cinematography

[@LikeStoriesofOld]

Fine, Thomas, I'll watch Burning again

[@zvodin1209]

Masterpiece of a film

[@rikuzi00007]

I didn’t get it. I thought it was boring and too long.

[@unmaskvon]

@@rikuzi00007 skill issue

[@thedivinemessenger]

one of my favorite youtube pages like stories of old good to see you King

[@kasra_mlg]

Like you were waiting for an excuse !

[@DodaGarcia]

The thing that seems to go unsaid in cinematography essays is that one of the reasons bold shots stand out is how they stand in contrast with the rest of a film. Those "beautiful shot" compilations are very fun to watch in the context of wanting to watch a series of visually striking shots, but a film where every shot tried to be cooler or attention-grabbing would be exhausting to watch. And yeah definitely agreed on how it's often the subtler cinematography work that does the most heavy lifting of communicating subtext, even on a subconscious level.

[@Advent3546]

That exhaustion brought on by attention-grabbing shots is pretty part and parcel to Michael Bay's style. There is no in-between shot, every moment of every scene is brought to its MOST.

[@ThomasFlight]

This is a great point!

[@Alba-ze5jn]

I kind of agree, but there are also nice exceptions like Blade runner 2049. Every shot is gorgeous and i wouldn't have it any other way

[@skullsaintdead]

@@Alba-ze5jn Agree there are exceptions, like The Fall (2006), which I love. Not only is the beauty of the film enthralling, the story is heart-warming and endearing. Seeing a child's sense of wonder and awe at storytelling, where your father (or a father-like figure, i.e. Lee Pace) makes you out to be the protagonist of your own tale of good and bad, it's truly wonderful and empowering. I wish more kids got to enjoy that kind of love.

[@Coverpage2568]

@@ThomasFlight Bro beware some scammers are using your name for fake giveaways.

[@briancrouch4389]

This channel is the most under-rated cinema critique and performance art channel on youtube. This dude has shown me so many new movies and tv shows that I love and educated me. Top notch content. Thank you.

[@chasehedges6775]

I love his content. His review of Andor is great.

[@YourBlackLocal]

I mean.. it’s probably one of the most popular, especially for what he’s doing. A video literally got 2.2M views 3 weeks ago.

[@AdamKrukowski]

how its underraed? 663k subs

[@franconero515]

This is how you comment !

[@mbagga8440]

Do you know any other good movie critics channels

[@TheOriginalDogLP]

Its great to see you use "Burning" so much. Love that movie and its a masterpiece of subtle storytelling

[@stephen_blake]

I'll never forget in Phantom Thread the scene where the camera moves from the dress into the two characters to signify how Reynolds priorities are shifting from dressmaking to Alma

[@MrDomq22]

Everytime I watch one of your videos I get that movie fizz - I just want to enjoy a beautifully shot movie with a cup of warm coffee and melt into my couch. You do fantastic work, Thomas.

[@joshgoodman9882]

THANK YOU! It’s such a struggle for most of the friends I talk to about films to articulate anything about cinematography other than “it was pretty”. Can be frustrating that they miss out on all the other qualities about the camera work that service the greater story. & when you dig into it they think you’re “over thinking it”. This “in praise of subtle.. ____” series needs to touch on every department on a set, this is so wonderful Thomas thank you thank you thank you

[@patrickmoran8583]

Thomas, great discussion on cinematography. Burning is an all around fantastically photographed and composed film. They do a great job of using subtle techniques as you mentioned here while also using splashy moments like Hae-mi dancing during sunset or the slow motion greenhouse. The contrast between these two techniques elevates the movie to be more than a sum of its parts.

[@internisus]

Absolutely love this video. I'm continually trying to improve my film literacy and more deeply see what I'm watching. Internalizing these examples will help me to grow!

[@Azure1013]

I don't usually write comments like this, but I honestly want to thank you. This way you presented the ideas and topics intercut with clips from films and how you broke them down gave me new perspectives on a handful of what were already some of my favourite films. Honestly, watching this video may have given me some more insight into what I'm drawn toward in films because a lot of the moments you drew from as examples are precisely the moments that resonate with me the most. I'm writing this comment as a personal thank-you because I feel that I really got something out of watching it. There are plenty of times when I watch video essay info-dump videos on KZbin as a way of procrastinating, and most of the time I click off halfway through because I look at how long it is and realize that I could be spending my time doing something better. Here, you presented the ideas in an engaging and concise manner; I got more out of watching this 13 minute video than most hour long video essays I see on KZbin. I've gotten more conservative with my subscriptions these days, but you've just earned another subscriber. Thank you for the truly educational content.

[@Cestial]

I have to leave this comment expressing how much I liked everything about the background and framing you chose for yourself. Often, video essays come across as lectures, where there is a definite visual separation established between the presenter and the audience. Everything about this one, however, is extremely welcoming and personal. Keep up the good work, I'm enjoying these videos! :)

[@juma__]

This is one of my favorite youtube channels. Thanks for the work you put into this videos.

[@albegian]

I know you already commented on it in another video months ago, but what Better Call Saul did with its subtle cinematography and subtle performances throughout all 6 seasons is probably a masterclass of everything shown in here and your other videos. My highest praises for that show

[@godawful5600]

100% agree. Does the bold shots and performances INCREDIBLY well, but also the subtlety in that show in terms of those two aspects is what really drew me in. It’s so slow and quiet but feels even more impactful that way. I appreciate how it built its momentum so naturally over the course of each season.

[@strawberryqueen0382]

I think about the one super long take where the delivery truck is being inspected for drugs for DAYS. It’s so impressively beautiful.

[@justinhughees]

YES

[@Azure1013]

@@godawful5600 Honestly, Breaking Bad in many ways laid out the groundwork for what Better Call Saul became. In Breaking Bad, they experimented with stylistic techniques such as their signature montage sequences which would later be employed in Better Call Saul with arguably more grace. They put together their toolkit throughout the development of Breaking Bad, and went in deeper with Better Call Saul and created something really brilliant.

[@daniellee2343]

Season 6 sucked though.

[@afterimage1993]

Sweet! another video! Recently have been trying to get into filming, this channel is just what I needed.

[@Y.d.o.b.o.n]

"Subtle" cinematography is just called directing my guy

[@ziircon2347]

I read Barn Burning for the first time just the other day, so its nice to see this film pop up on my screen again! A brilliant video as always!!

[@appleciderwitch]

Thomas - I'm always so excited to see a new video of yours. Your critiques and praise for the subtleties of film's parts - cinematography, narrative, editing are always SO precise, detailed and presented in a beautiful manner. You're an amazing writer and one of my new favorite media critics.

[@appleciderwitch]

Honestly while nothing will ever replace Every Frame a Painting in my heart, you're definitely the worthiest successor to that position.

[@LT1]

You picked some great shots for that montage in the beginning. Made me want to rewatch each of those literally right now lol.

[@just_doug]

The one subtle shot that nearly made me fall out of my chair was actually in Wandavision. From the start it follows the rules of a three cam sitcom, and is so amazingly consistent with it that when (in the dinners scene, first episode I think) wanda starts to notice something is off, they show it by simply using a close up camera angle that couldn't possibly be in a three cam sitcom. Such a genius way to use the crux/gimmick of your story as a tool for drawing the audience into wandas (very unique) perspective.

[@samwallaceart288]

Yeah, the camerawork went straight from _I Love Lucy_ to _Twilight Zone._

[@mageytodd659]

@@samwallaceart288 Perfectly put

[@LowProfile0247]

Seriously? A freaking Marvel show?

[@guerillawhite3083]

its a really cool shot but i wouldn't call that subtle

[@MariaVosa]

This video encapsulates everything I absolutely love about this channel!

[@CaptainSinbad]

Goat KZbinr

[@storytellers1]

Waiting for you to put a new banger out as well

[@lyndabethcave3835]

One of my favourite examples of subtle cinematography is in Deux Jours, Une Nuit (Two Days, One Night), where every time Sandra argues with one of her coworkers to allow her to keep her job, there's a line, formed by something in the background, between them - representing the emotional wall she has to overcome.

[@nalbis]

bro loves burning lately 🥲

[@TheAlexcassun]

I love all the Burning love on your channel. It was my favorite film of that year, and is a contender for my favorite film of the decade.

[@HerbieChuckNorris]

Instantly thought of Richard Linklater. I think his unobtrusive style contributes so much to the realism and 'hangout' nature of his films. Watched Before Sunset last night and its reserved direction and cinematography is a great strength.

[@REChronic54]

For some reason when I think of subtle cinematography, I think of the end of Sicario where Benicio Del Toro’s character confronts the female lead. And he’s nearly sitting in the dark while the light in the background can barely illuminate his face. I don’t think it’s that profound of a shot but it’s so ordinary looking that people don’t think twice about it.

[@Alba-ze5jn]

Burning really strokes a chord with me in every level i can think of. I'm always happy to see you talking about it!

[@zacharywong483]

Fantastic video! I love your explanations of how cinematography choices, blocking in shots, and so many other elements of film work in so many films! And great choice of video topic here with subtler examples of cinematography as well!

[@c.a.savage5689]

It's extremely rare to find a KZbin video (much less a channel) that addresses its subject with as much knowledge, expertise and examples, culminating in a shared experience of what makes cinema great. The French channel ARTE does this with its series BLOW-UP on KZbin, focusing on specific themes, actors, directors, etc. But it's in French. That being said, l am grateful to have found this.

[@Exnem]

I love this channel just for the movie recommendations. Great video overall too.

[@nKacey]

Can i just say, you have a really calming voice. I appreciate your videos 😊

[@ddebnath11]

Please do "In Praise of Subtle Music" next.

[@rafaelc.c.]

Definetely. I couldn't stand the soundtrack of Dune for instace. Or most of Zimmer's recent work. He goes to loud, to wild and too out of place. And it takes me out of the film. Not that I want minimalistic compositions or orchestration, but I prefer when soundtracks go so elegant like Howard Shore's The Lord of the Rings, which still has big moments, iconic themes and full orchestra. John Williams really know how to go subtle and loud accordingly.

[@ddebnath11]

@@rafaelc.c. Dune is a grand film (huge scale), I think Zimmer represented the scale well by being loud (I'm not a sound expert, just my thoughts). If u want Zimmer being subtle, the dark knight and Dunkirk I think has good subtle bg music which enhances the scenes. But I do agree Zimmer went too loud in inception.

[@ianmiller6798]

A lot of the “loud” music in Inception is supposed to be the slowed down notes from outside the dream coming into the dream level that works at a different speed

[@alpha8here]

This is so beautiful and helpful! I hope there are more In Praise of Subtle... videos. I hope to apply these to my works

[@amirfld6375]

I'm just so glad that you talk about Burning so much. believe it or not, no other movie has ever touched me and made me feel the way this film did. from script to acting and finally cinematography is hands down perfection. It's the only movie ever that I immediately watched just a few hours after I finished it and it has not left me since then also the soundtrack is very simplistic yet effective. every shot and frame in this film is intentional and is trying to say something in a very "subtle" way. It's drama. it's romance. it's in many ways political but again very subtle about it. I'm just glad someone else like you Thomas has acknowledged Burning the way it should be.

[@zmbo7806]

That camera tilt and the close in Chijiiwa's face when Omodaka draws the sword .. Harakiri is a masterpiece.

[@simonboccanegra3811]

Dick Pope's work with Mike Leigh, in decades of films such as Naked, Secrets & Lies, All or Nothing, Vera Drake, and Another Year, begs mention here. People might think of Leigh as someone who makes visually no-frills films that are about dialogue and acting, but their cinematography is vivid and of increasing sophistication. I love in Another Year how each section of the film, corresponding to one of the calendar seasons, has its own distinct look. We're just seeing people in their houses and gardens, some bars and offices, but it has a visual style that lingers in the mind.

[@oldmatttv]

I love the Mike Leigh approach. It's an interesting method overall to construct scenes. Naked and Vera Drake are great, still haven't watched most of his other films.

[@moonbootz5499]

i fully maintain that you are the reason i’m passing my cinema studies class

[@maniravandi5983]

Amazing as usual. I'd love to see one In praise of subtle directing

[@MonotremeFilms]

Yours is and remains one of the best film criticism channels on KZbin. This is beautifully observed and well put together.

[@MonotremeFilms]

And by the way, I watch movies with the sound off all the time specifically with the purpose of studying the cinematography when prepping for a project. Strongly endorse.

[@mattyisnice]

Is dat a little Boss I see in the background?? Yet another fantastic video -- I am getting ready to watch Burning and The Souvenir (+ Part II), and Harakiri. You explain things so well and get me so excited about cinema and as a movie lover that is the best feeling. Keep it up Thomas!

[@venes0297]

Phantom Thread is one of my favourite films ever, especially from a visual perspective. It's so overlooked, I'm glad someone is talking about it

[@malikom]

Great explanations as always! I'm glad you're aiming for more niche shows for your videos

[@kicker7955]

This adds a point that i've been thinking about a lot - when is cinematography part of the piece - of the message, done for the audience - and when is it a creative indulgence, a not to others in the know and ads nothing or even takes away from the film?

[@Edensproject]

you're absolutely my fav channel here on youtube. no doubt

[@oriheller2852]

Thomas flight's new video on a friday?? Hell yes!

[@userunknown203]

Epic video, as always. I still want a bookshelf tour.

[@rmschindler144]

wow... this is superb. (your commentary satisfies the intellect and the scenes you chose touch the heart).

[@hsynsrky]

You pointed out I think the most important thing when it comes to storytelling in this medium. You have this very powerful tool called camera and lens which can change the whole experience. I don't think setting, art design, casting, blocking, performance and many other elements are any less important than the camera and lens choice but only good storytellers can combine those all in a enique way to tell that spesific story. That's why I love directors like PTA.

[@ShoggothLord]

I'm so glad you mentioned Harakiri. That film needs to get more love.

[@sheiryard8149]

Watched Burning because of your videos and loved it, thanks for the recommendation

[@Mad1Lee]

Great video, man, as a filmmaker myself I enjoy your stuff!

[@matandragones9408]

I can't express how grateful I am for this videos

[@BenRaphaelGarcia]

Your channel is amazing!! Thank you!

[@jamiea.m.3037]

Always a delight to watch one of your videos.

[@mwadz]

This is a great video!! I'd love to see the names of the films put in the corner when footage of them plays. I want to put them all on my watch list, and it would be easier than going back and hearing one of the time you say their names. Other than that this is wonderful!

[@visions_of_noah]

I wish Thomas would be able to talk more in the podcast, because everyhing he says is precious

[@bombdatacenters]

Recently I watched "High Noon" for the first time, and I was struck by how plain most of the cinematography in the film was, yet how effective it remained. I think a lot of modern movies and shows try to have every shot be striking like the shining, especially "artistic" kinds of movies. While I appreciate the beauty of these shots, I can't help but wonder how they serve the story in many cases.

[@helvete_ingres4717]

the edit from the church to the railway line showing the incoming noon train with each shot mirroring the composition of the other (aisle between the church pews aligning with the train tracks) is just...chef's kiss

[@storytellers1]

Don't fix your viral video firnat it if it aint broken

[@Kaspar_Houser]

Featuring Burning in the beginning and naming Malick and Wes Anderson as favorite directors is telling me i found a new fave film youtuber here! I prefer the earlier more grounded feeling works of Anderson tho with Rushmore and Bottlerocket. Will you make a video on poetic cinema like Malick, Tarkovsky, Angelopoulos..? That would be wonderful

[@edv3795]

keep up the good work!

[@tinroof8700]

Good work, my man - keep it up!!

[@MenelikTheFirst]

For me, 12 Angry Men ranks amongst the best in terms of cinematography. I’ve never seen a film convey it’s messages, emotions and themes so perfectly with simple lens choices and composition.

[@papacinoooo]

yes! everytime i watch it, it makes me feel like im a part of the jurors.

[@elijahalbiston]

I've heard people call it a masterclass in blocking

[@PopoMedic]

I love this channel way too much.

[@videobytesjacobbradley]

Great video Thomas. I've been appreciating more and more films where the director and cinematographer's collaboration is almost "hidden" or not trying to give the story anything more than it needs. Films like Revenge of the Nerds or Planet of the Apes, where the composition and lighting is fairly understated. It shows a prioritization to the economic aspect of the craft. Simplicity and and even an attitude of "let's shoot this fucker!"

[@lucy1130]

Helping me with my film studies a level with every video, man!!!! tysmmmmm >:))

[@jeffbronson3696]

There’s a similarity between Thomas’ videos and subtle cinematography. Just like how movies with flashy cinematography are celebrated, there are video essayists who churn out monster multi-hour long content whose series’ are lauded all over KZbin, Reddit, Tumblr, Twitter. Thomas provides consistent, shorter, less in-your-face content that’s equally inspiring and important.

[@JC-tu6hc]

Thank you for talking about phantom thread. My favorite looking film maybe ever?

[@SP-cp3qu]

i love burning too great vid!

[@Bjhorn279]

Such a perfect companion video to subtle acting! Also makes me want to watch Burning again

[@derrickbrak4893]

As soon as you mentioned The Souvenir, I wanted to comment on the scene where she crosses the line, but you got there first 😄 Another good example is in Leave No Trace, where Debra Granik doesn't use a single close-up until about 20 minutes from the end. When the shot finally came, I gasped without even knowing why in the moment. Incredible film

[@morganburt2565]

it’s gotten to the point where if i see a “beautiful shot” i’m pulled out of whatever i’m watching. i’d blame this on me watching so many youtube videos on cinematography lol. there’s this video i watched years and years ago about how doors/windows can be used to create a feeling of distance or of being trapped- i can’t unsee it

[@iainronald4217]

Two of my favourite films for subtle cinematography are Thomas Alfredson's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Luca Guadagnino's Suspiria. They're flat, they're static, the colours are washed out but it helps envelop you in this world more than a dynamic camera with popping colours would.

[@tylerfukuda]

Burning is such an amazing film and always thought there was something special in it’s cinematography. Nothing bringing attention to itself and only to serve the story. This is cinematography to me!

[@timoleary5815]

I watched Burning the first time completely blind in a Cineworld Cinema with about 5 other people. I was absolutely memorised and have lost count of how many times I've seen it now. An oft used word in cinema, but Burning really is a masterpiece. And thanks Thomas for your outstanding work on KZbin, I've learned so much about cinema from your extremely informative videos.

[@JakeBrannan5499]

I want to see all that your shelf in the background holds

[@flermilyxx]

Excellent breakdown of the subtler styles of cinematography! Other directors, that come to my mind, who do this very well are Kelly Reichardt and Ryusuke Hamaguchi. Thanks for the great content!

[@CinematicGestures]

Wyler is a master at this, particularly when it comes to blocking and composition. Check out what are essentially chamber pieces like The Childrens’ Hour, Desperate Measures, or Little Foxes with his bigger pictures like Roman Holiday, Ben Hur, and what I think is one of the absolute greatest films ever, The Best Years of Our Lives.

[@reptongeek]

I love The Best Years of Our Lives, I've watched it at least six or seven times over the years

[@gianniranzuglia7791]

This is why I think the technical achievements awards are ridiculous at times. Each film tries to achieve something different, some need big rigs and bold images, whilst others need to be small and very unnoticeable. These days it looks like more is better sadly.

[@mojorojo818]

When it comes to subtle cinematography, one should really look into the work of satyajit ray. From pather panchali to Big City, Ray has mastered the art of subtle cinematography. Also great video on one of my favourite film elements!!!

[@tigerbajunior]

well done and well said

[@pointlesstairs1001]

This makes me think of Samurai Jack. Jack is a character who always expresses himself to us with very big facial expressions. He is a samurai so there is a lot of fighting most of the time but in some episodes he just walks. Those episodes makes me feel so much more. Sometimes in those subtle episodes it gets so quiet for so long that I check if there is a problem with the audio. While watching it again, I stopped and questioned how I enjoyed this series when I was a little kid.

[@fairamir1]

Love the beard in thois video! Perfect length !

[@alphafilms_at]

really good and informative video ❤

[@Dean444ful]

Great videos and totally unrelated but I haven’t watched a movie critique in probably years and I’m so glad we’ve moved past that era when video essayists would take an unnecessarily long pause between… every… word…

[@kieranbr]

I think one of the best examples of subtle cinematography is the late Yasujiro Ozu. His film “Late Spring” is a great example of subtle cinematography

[@Hexx24]

I think you should do an essay on Burning. Although I understood the finale after doing some research, it can feel confusing at first.

[@TooleyPeter]

So helpful. Thank you.

[@maxcooper2850]

Burning is absolutely fantastic. Glad to hear other people like it!

[@samiritbanik1504]

amazing video, so detailed

[@owenvideos4155]

I agree with your points and even the ones about PTA but all of phantom thread is burned into my brain and has had such a lasting effect on me

[@chloeglazer7991]

one movie i thought had wonderful cinematography was The Black Phone. The camera angles almost make the space look smaller, while the sunlight and the light sources move and are usually out of reach, often when Finney feels hopeless or is on the verge of giving up. its also a great movie highly recommended

[@aarond9563]

Another banger Thomas! Also, I know you said this list is by no means comprehensive, but kinda surprised not to see In The Mood for Love in the B-Roll at least 🤣 Also, I love the Burning love. It is my 4th favorite movie of all time. Genuinely amazing! But I don't know if I can sit through that 2 and a half hour film silently big bro. You're better than me if you can!

[@elichilton7031]

Sometimes the deepest visual metaphors in film arise out of the simplest shots. Remember Cool Hand Luke when he is singing after learning his mother died, and it's raining outside.

[@lorcan545]

In The Souvenir, the earlier handheld scenes are shot on 16mm film, and the subsequent more composed visual language is on digital - so called 16mm digital. There are like half a dozen different formats used in the film. I read this in an interview with dp David Raedeker in Seventh Art. It is worth emphasizing what an evolution in visual style this film is over Joanna Hogg’s previous three films.

[@tcrijwanachoudhury]

I loathed that film, very difficult to sit through, it was my friends favourite 😭

[@nathanbenton2051]

great definition of subtle

[@VashikArmenikus]

It would be great to have a list of films from this video. There are some masterpieces I've not seen yet/

[@PaletoB]

The railway tunnel scene's in MR Inbetween is to me one of the more rememberable "dash". 😅

[@floratinuviel2762]

Sooo good to see someone talking about TAOJJBTCRF (LOL). It was one of the most beautiful cinematic experiences for me.

[@adamjuice]

I watched Burning thanks to you and I loved it!

[@ImperfectionistGaming]

i watched burning because of your prior video. I really enjoyed it, it was fantastic! I especially enjoyed how the movie made a dramatic shift from what it was presented as, which is a "in the daily life of" type drama, to a (spoiler alert) dark murder mystery. It came out of nowhere for me and it was an entertaining surprise

[@DarkFoxV]

You can't put the spoiler right after saying spoiler alert, you have to add a separation in the text, usually add new lines like . . . . . . So that one clicks to open it and it isn't in one's face (which renders the "alert" merely nominal)