Roger Deakins Breaks Down His Award-Winning Cinematography Career | Rotten Tomatoes

Cinematographer Roger Deakins is well-known to film buffs as the behind-the-scenes man responsible for the look and feel of such visually distinguished movies as 'The Shawshank Redemption,' 'Fargo,' 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?,' 'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,' 'Skyfall,' and 'Blade Runner 2049.' The latter finally earned him an Oscar for Best Cinematography in 2018, which many felt was long overdue for a man whose career has spanned four decades of acclaimed work with directors ranging from the Coen brothers and Martin Scorsese to Sam Mendes and Denis Villeneuve. Deakins' latest project, '1917,' reunites him with Mendes for a fourth outing and boasts a collection of long, elaborately choreographed segments cleverly edited together to tell its story in the style of a single unbroken shot. To celebrate the film's ambitious technical achievement, Deakins sat down with Rotten Tomatoes to break down the most difficult assignments of his career, from 'Skyfall' and his Oscar-winning work on 'Blade Runner 2049' to the unique challenges of '1917.'
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[@Deri_Seh]

If Deakins had a Masterclass I would pay double for the class

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Abso-fricken-lutely. So would I. No hesitation.

[@HackZzClan]

I send in an email asking for that and they said that theyll consider it :)

[@tomfurstyfield]

he went to the nfts so maybe try there

[@vincentmathissen1753]

Deakins said that he wont do it because they cost to mutch which means that some people cant afford them

[@BartonKi]

@@HackZzClan lmao as if it was their choice and not his

[@pondopondo1497]

I probably could watch 8 hours straight of Roger talking about films.

[@mrhappyforever5133]

Pondo Pondo he’s effortlessly captivating for sure

[@danieljamesmead]

Or just his day.

[@Mmxxaamm]

Yeah but what about 9?

[@BucketOfMarbles]

@aljanat5 I can't tell if this is a weird joke I don't get, or if you actually think people will believe you...

[@BucketOfMarbles]

@aljanat5 whatever bro

[@lane7230]

I was lucky enough to be an extra on the 1917 shoot during the days filming the final trench scene. Imagine, it's the end of the day filming everyone going over the trench.. I see Roger Deakins and his wife walking away from the set towards their presumed campervan. Ive been wanting to talk to him ever since I got the role of a soldier so I knew it was him. It's now or never so I time my walk to cross paths diagonally to them, theres no one else really around in this open space of field as I l walked away from everyone else, all the things I wanted to say throughout the days imagining if I actually met him immediately went out the window. But regardless i got to shake his hand and say how much of a great job he is doing to him and his wife. Best day of my life as a fellow cinematographer. I wish I could draw so I could recreate the moment. I'll never forget it, extremely inspiring.

[@mjgfromDDD]

Love stories like this, shows how inspiration affects us and has us willing to meet our inspirations.

[@OwenOsaka]

Hes great. He has a public email as well where you can ask him anything and he lives literally just down the road from me

[@lane7230]

@@OwenOsaka that's awesome I didnt realise that, good to know. Have you ever seen him about?

[@OwenOsaka]

@@lane7230 no, apparently he has a boat though. He's definitely been to my local cinema but I never caught him :)

[@MattGarcyaDC]

cool man. how does one be an extra for a film? connections?

[@Cinemarkerz96]

imagine being talented enough to ask ARRI to make a special camera just for you.

[@iammilorex]

I don't think it's about talent.

[@matheusazevedoC]

@@iammilorex they didn't made because he's talented, but because he's talented he managed to get it.

[@nateo200]

Almost Stanley Kubrick cinematography style lol. When he filmed Berry Lyndon(sp?) he wanted to film in candle light.....so he asked to use the same stupid large aperture lens they used to shoot pictures on the moon! Meanwhile if I want to borrow someones Zeiss or Canon cinema lens its like "I have to think about it. I just paid it off". Lol. I love cinematography. Deakins always creates this special image. I've had the privilege of Deakins responding to me on his forum lol. I can't remember the question but I spend a day think about how not to ask a dumb question and I believed I asked about censor size / type. He responded politely, which was nice because on some forums if you aren't asking how to match colors with 100K Zeiss glass and 30K worth of Canon glass you aren't good enough. I will say that I have spoken to David Mullen and he's simply great with answering all sorts of cinematography questions. I hadn't watched everything he filmed but I watched a lot of his films and asked how he did certain scenes and he would give a lengthy explanation. I learned the importance of lighting over the latest camera....

[@avinashrawal7928]

@@nateo200 you need some rest

[@kirankiranmishra]

🤣👌🏻

[@SeanFinnegan]

Roger Deakins is the greatest living cinematographer

[@gabj9017]

​@GiRayne Many greats, cinematography is like painting. Who is the best painter, many would argue to no avail yet we all know who the masters are. Roger is indeed one of them. Although what he does which is different is he is not afraid to give his light plans away. Show everyone how he works. That is something few cinematographers of his level do.

[@louisstudios5656]

I think his lighting is definitely the best of all living cinematographers.

[@romilrh]

Definitely him or Lubezki

[@Comotellamas131]

You are forgetting about lubezki.

[@blackboyblues6727]

Lol I agree. Chivo is great...but Chivo is not on Rogers level

[@themothermarkos]

I met Roger Deakins the day before I graduated from university. Any time I asked him a question, he responded honestly and with full attention. At my graduation, he was given an honorary doctorate. He is a living, breathing legend. Most boldly, he does not have a set style of cinematography. This is what makes him so incredible at what he does. He responds to each individual story beat and script and builds around it. He completely understands and appreciates the emotional quality of all of this and cherishes the audience's experience of a story.

[@emmabee5027]

Fully agree..

[@AllThingsFilm1]

"The overall look (of a film) is the biggest challenge, really." Words from a truly professional, and brilliant, cinematographer.

[@Leomendoncacampos]

The way he transitioned and embraced the new, moden digital cinematography is one of the things that makes him so great. A lot of great filmakers/cinematographers are still whining about film being better and digital being bad while he is miles ahead, always trying new technology and exctracting the best results you can get. Thats because he knows that what makes a great movie is not a piece of film, its the story, the characters, the emotions. And the technology is just a tool to help you achieve that.

[@evanpeltier]

I agree, but that doesn't mean that filming with film stock should go extinct. I prefer film over digital because there's a certain finesse to the whole thing. With digital, it's more convenient because you don't have to change rolls. But still, film should be preserved, like Paul Thomas Anderson and Quentin Tarantino says.

[@ussishkingang7194]

Leonardo Campos both have their purposes it’s not one or the other

[@jayv8068]

yet film still looks better. Why wouldnt you want to use the best?

[@insandrivestream9437]

He embraces Arri cameras, he was the one of earliest players in film's color grading..but whenever his old pals the Coens requested him to shoot on film, he agreed.

[@Hellman2746]

I'm afraid you're unnecessarily bashing filmmakers who like using analogue films. You see analog films have no "resolution" to them. It's just grains. But due to that very nature, you can extract a 5-8 k resolution from a good quality 35 mm film and 65 mm, which is usually printed on 70 mm films that can produce resolution upto 16k. And that's why we are able to enjoy older films in today's 1080p, 2k or even 4k. Ex; 2001 - A Space Odyssey. On the other hand movies that were shot digitally during the earlier years in 1080p have to be upscaled to 2k or 4k but it's still inferior compared to analogue films. Compare 4k copies of Star Wars AOTC or RoS to 2001 - A Space Odyssey and you'll see what I'm talking about. So 70% Nolan's Dunkirk was shot using 65mm and that means in the the near future when people are able watch movies above 8k in their homes, Dunkirk would still be able to dominate. On the other hand movies like Zodiac or Avatar shot in 1080p will have to be viewed only in 2k quality at the most. But if you're not bothered by movie resolutions, yeah, it's okay but don't attack film-makers who love it. (Some people on internet are incorrectly claiming Avatar was shot on 2k but the Cameron himself asserted it was shot in 1080p).

[@jonathanchew1272]

The train sequence in The Assassination of Jesse James was the most visually striking scene I’ve ever seen in film. Just beautiful.

[@purefoldnz3070]

Im pretty sure Red Dead 2 copied this scene

[@FramesPerSecond]

The whole film is the best thing he’s ever done!

[@rjun152]

@@purefoldnz3070 I am happy that they copied an iconic scene

[@bocpearstudios7946]

@@purefoldnz3070 it’s called paying homage. There’s a big difference between stealing and shouting out something that creatively inspired you

[@TylerDurden-gl4qn]

Blade Runner 2049 is a masterpiece of cinema.

[@TheLegend-nm8ji]

Lol

[@beeeater4875]

@@TheLegend-nm8ji lol

[@tanayyy2875]

Truth.

[@blizz624]

Probably the best looking film I’ve ever scene

[@hvnbvb6366]

john cena " ARE U SURE ABOUT THIS ! "

[@anonymouse4676]

That moment when you realise that the same cameraman shot all your favourite films.

[@saukibasya]

So damn true. Shawshank Redemption, No Country for Old Men, and now 1917!

[@ubermensch8022]

Wish he did DUNE too.

[@nicolaslabra2225]

i think its because he doesnt really like science fantasy that much, and perhaps 1917 conflicted with Dune`s schedule

[@oscarstegland]

Greig Fraser is crazy good too though. And Villeneuve did amazing work with Bradford Young on Arrival so I think it will be interesting to see where they go with it

[@Biring1]

He was busy doing 1917. He said in an interview it was a shame he couldn`t do it, but that he loved being able to work with Mendes again. Greg Frasier is a really good pick for Denis.

[@MyPimpinAfro14]

Always the possibility he could do the sequels as well

[@vicdelta31415]

Denis, Roger and Hans would have been a dream team, but I'm curious as to what Grieg will come up with in his own vision of Dune.

[@blakechildress944]

Roger Deakins is my hero! He's in a league of his own when it comes to cinematography.

[@grimlock04]

I love the smile he had on his face when he talked about working with Denis. Was I the only one who noticed that? His body language really got excited talking about him and I don’t blame him. The first time I saw one of Denis’ films I knew he’d be one of the greatest modern directors of this era. Such a pleasure watching this and seeing all these fascinating techniques. I could listen and watch Roger behind the scenes all day.

[@WildwoodClaire1]

I just watched 1917 and, considering the difficulties of shooting such a film, mostly shot outside and dependent on natural lighting and weather conditions while maintaining the look of a single continuous shot, the result is awe-inspiring. I'm not sure 1917 is the "best film" of 2019 but I am sure it deserves the Oscar for cinematography.

[@kartiksolanki09]

"The Burning Church " part was incredible. Can't wait to see "1917".

[@mateszucs8975]

Such a clever man, I love him a lot. He's really calm and collected and he really cares about the movies he does.

[@HermanFalckHow]

He is such a DOP in the best way. The way he was so happy about his favourite take being used is exactly how my DOP looks when I choose his favorite take for an edit. Sort of quiet internal joy, it's lovely seeing how someone like Roger still has not lost that.

[@pakfurious8212]

That 15 mins went like 60 seconds, hes a legendand Hopefully wins his second Oscars for 1917

[@BigBellyBrookes]

Seeing all his work side by side really puts into perspective his use of large moving shapes of colors. The colors are always striking and apart of the movement, sweeping across the screen and orchestrated loudly. It really teaches you good practices for cinematography without saying a word.

[@Randhyll_Cho]

This is one of the best things I've ever seen. What a phenomenal insight.

[@EzeICE]

That scene with the solider running through the burning church with the flares was the most cinematic and stress inducing scene I've ever seen. Such a masterwork of skill and creativity.

[@donaldpriola1807]

Roger is the best in the business, by a mile. He understands what cinema really means.

[@hitachicordoba]

Really loved the look of Skyfall and BR2019, now I want to watch all his films!

[@alex0589]

Sicario and Prisoners might be your gateway drug to discovering older movies he did like "Oh brother" or Shawshank, you dont know it's him lighting the stuff but you feel it's good. That's why he's now basically a legend. He's just good but also works on really good movies.

[@when_life_gives_you_limes]

Psst... It's BR2049...

[@websterbrandcoaching9724]

Shaking my head in awe. I'm a film buff and loved all of these films, especially for their visuals and cinematography, never even realizing they are all the same person... My new guide.

[@MHandlykken]

Doing the girls in Blade Runner on set and not on bluescreen must have cost a fortune, but Roger being him gets what he wants. Results was fantastic, and I do think doing things on set affects light and more importantly, performance. What an artist.

[@Cristofo1]

This is how you perfect your craft, this dude is a legend.

[@howdareyou41]

1917, 1984, 2049

[@kirind.dragon1901]

Sadly no ,1984

[@fala_hpy5507]

@chubbyurma what do you mean

[@utkug4476]

The actual number of times academy snubbed him.

[@rickardkaufman3988]

@@fala_hpy5507 Yes, he shot the film adaptation of 1984.

[@crgaming8102]

1984 was his first movie

[@SamuelDaram]

This video a an absolute treat! Roger Deakins is the Shakespeare of cinematographers and it is great to have a fifteen minute summary of his insights. Someone should make a three hour documentary on the same topic.

[@zacharyreshovsky8279]

My father was a DP in Hollywood. He worked Roger Deakins' contemporary now-Robert Richardson during Mr. Richardson's early career. One thing my father always struggled with was the politics/inter-personal relationships in film, one of which involves managing relationships/directing actors. Its cool to see Sir Deakins talking about how to be good with the politics/inter-personal relationships of film!

[@scottystephenson8610]

just love listening to him talk about his work and how happy he is about it and what' he did ....such an inspiration ...also comes across and a real down to earth guy

[@alex0589]

For some reason, i was watching a bunch of Roger's interviews today then i saw this new vid. This is fun, thanks.

[@511dydy]

What a legend

[@h.i.x.2354]

Hope we get to see a director's cut of The Assassination of Jesse James one day.

[@kryptonitetime]

yeah that movie isn't long enough

[@EddieBergman]

^ this but unironically

[@tonywords6713]

same

[@AllergicToMyself]

Everyone gets his name wrong. It's not Roger Deakins! It's Master Roger Deakins!

[@ciaranoconnell4783]

This is like a passionate friend having a conversation with you about films rather than a lecture or a Q & A that you get with 99% of other ''interviews'' with film makers.

[@vivekpilot]

I love this man as he was rejected by academy a dozen times. But like a stoic philosopher he continued his work as if nothing happened to him. Finally the academy recognized his craft.What an inspirational for aspiring film makers of tomorrow...!!

[@TheAnandyta]

I couldn't imagine the movie world without him.

[@glennsak]

Roger Deakins is 70!? He is as spry and sharp as someone in their 40s.

[@votux2037]

the more you age the more knowledge and experience you get

[@rogerdavis5142]

I love how he describes an aspect of what he does as creating a “tone poem”. So apt!

[@zsht]

Quite simply the greatest of all time; creatively, artistically, and practically. He is a director's greatest tool, and a true gift to cinema.

[@ilovelctr]

Many of my favourite films, including Blade Runner 2049, No Country for Old Men and the more recent 1917 were cinematographed by Roger Deakins and I fell in love with the first two's visuals even before I knew it was him behind the camera.

[@josephasghar]

Great to listen to a master talk about his extraordinary body of work.

[@alexispapageorgiou72]

It just goes on and on and on. Scary ...

[@thejiggy]

We saw 1917 this morning and it was a friggin masterpiece. Beautifully shot by Deakins and his crew, superb directing by Mendes, just all-around amazing filmmaking. It's an experience, really, go see it in theatres if you can.

[@ravleenliu4946]

Wish we could have heard him discuss the Shanghai sequence from Skyfall

[@8lackbeard791]

I did not know about this guy until I watched this, now I see him as an Unfortunate uncredited and unacknowledged Cinema Legend

[@HermanFalckHow]

Cinemabuffs and film students sure appreciates him!

[@adampage73]

I think I need to watch 1917 twice, once to let the experience take me, second time to try and take the film apart by asking myself where the edits come

[@BlondeManNoName]

Roger is such an amazing artist, he makes movies look visually so stunningly beautiful.

[@jameshandley8252]

When I first took notice of Roger I saw the movie The Assassination Jesse James when it first came out it blew me Away with he’s Cinematography still tell this day it’s 1 of the most beautiful movies with own look. I also liked 1917 and he’s genius work in Blade Runner he’s just unreal

[@MrItsjustmeok]

I've just found out he's worked in all my favourite films and I didn't even know until now 1917 was just stunning

[@patrickcondon1]

a true genius. thank you for your contributions to cinema. Jesse James may be his finest work!

[@futuropasado]

1917 is a masterpiece of image thanks to this man.

[@asherhuskinson6815]

Jesse James is an extremely underrated film. Personally, I think it’s one of Deakin’s best films.

[@studiodevis]

Second Cinematography Oscar for Sir Roger Deakins, please !

[@andyutomo7230]

Wish granted!

[@Memnoch_the_Devil]

Definitely one of if not the very best cinematographers around. He's worked on a lot of my favorite movies

[@dinsism]

My favourite Cinematographer EVER!

[@varuno7560]

One of the most creative field of art. Camera is just the eye of spectators which is directed by cinematography. Actually camera is an actor in itself. Which allows audience to be a part of film.

[@tubevandaan]

A lovely person and great artist. Thanks for this interview!

[@SjoerdWess]

What an incredible talented yet humble man he is!

[@ThePromQueenxo]

Wow my mind is actually blown! He is a true genius and a gem we should appreciate!

[@beepbeep2446]

This guy gives every single dark, grey color u can think of and bring life to it

[@flipwood1683]

Wow. He's been involved in most of the films that I love, that's incredible.

[@ElRadioDJ913]

Wish he filmed Dune with Denis Villeneuve man. At least, 1917 is gorgeous to look at though.

[@emefbe]

I know, and since it's also sci-fi like blade runner 2049 (which is mesmerizing to look at) it would've been amazing to see what his take and vision on the look of dune was

[@gg1648]

no love for sicario tho?? Deakins did some of the best lighting there imo.

[@BucketOfMarbles]

Seriously. His concept of doing the night vision scene basically only from the characters' pov really shows how much a good dp can affect the creative vision to a film .

[@visionizer]

Where’s Skyfall

[@Barrrt]

Can someone explain to me though, why such talented creators spend so much time and effort making a movie that's so depressing? This is an honest question, I'm genuinly curious. I find myself wishing all that talent would have been spent making something uplifting, something bright. I'm also really curious if it's actually true to life. If anyone would enlighten me so I can appreciate that stuff more, please do. Because the beautiful scenes were kinda lost in my haze of sadness I got just from the first scene with the people inside the walls.

[@tonywords6713]

one of the problems with having such continual greatness. its like the coen brothers they make like nothing but killers

[@Yes123786]

@@Barrrt Because real life is not always bright and uplifting. It was shedding a light on stuff that everyone knows is happening, which is probably why you felt uncomfortable.

[@user-gf6gf2iy2k]

What an absolute gem of a video.

[@DanielVerberne]

Absolute legend of our times, Mr Roger Deakins.

[@RawhitTalekar]

That last shot from 1917 is not a "HAPPY ACCIDENT" , it's the universe saying "Roger is the greatest of all time"

[@jeffln5581]

My life's worth it after seeing his majestic works. True master magician of light and scene.

[@isabelaoliveira9270]

I simply love Deakins work as a cinematographer.

[@rayrpger6141]

Missing the painfully underrated The Village

[@gastonsepulveda9187]

Roger doesn't likes CG, blue or green screens...why hasn't he worked with Chris Nolan yet? Imagine what that would be like...

[@rickardkaufman3988]

If he doesn't like CGI, blue screens and green screens, then why did he win an Oscar for making Blade Runner 2049?

[@chriskovatch4207]

Rishi Krishnaswamy he probably prefers one to the other. Secondly, if you’ve seen that film you already know why he won best cinematography

[@rickardkaufman3988]

@@chriskovatch4207 I saw it and I loved it.

[@frostbitepokin9520]

Rishi Krishnaswamy besides flying cars and ads I don’t think they used that many cgi in blade runner

[@rickardkaufman3988]

@@frostbitepokin9520 Don't forget the Landscapes, holograms, deaging effects for sean young, etc.

[@emilwilliams5340]

Roger Deakins is abnormally talented and humble!!

[@0981462]

I love genius people, and yet, 100% humble. I love this combination.

[@lizolguin4588]

This was great! Keep making videos like this 👍🏻

[@fracturedfingers]

1917 and Blade Runner 2049 are two of my favorites. This man is a genius.

[@MsJilsephonie]

Mr Roger Deakins...forever my cinematic crush

[@JuganautTimelapse]

Such a laid back and enjoyable guy to listen to.

[@introvert6705]

Bladerunner 2049 only has 87%? Somethings wrong

[@lorenavanessapj4602]

what does the % means?

[@lorenavanessapj4602]

@Fred T I'm sorry, I don't know what that means, could u explain it?

[@jayleclerc1759]

Well it was a very long film... the average watcher might get a bit bored

[@v-trigger6137]

and Jarhead is 61%. seriously Rotten Tomatoes is unreliable

[@v-trigger6137]

@I drink your milkshake welp, I don't agree with that. I think Jarhead is a masterpiece of modern war films. it showed what war is actually like in real life. how soldiers train for years to be a professional killer, but in return they hardly kill anything, they spend most of the time in boredom. and how being in that battlefield for so long, not only damages their personal lifes but also their mind to a psychological level

[@SingularityEngine]

5:00 "Anyway, I started blasting"

[@БекаБеркович-з8к]

Great video. Editing is also very good

[@collectkaisen]

Wow this video was a real treat

[@mastixmastix]

Such a master. One of the legends of cinema. Could listen forever.....

[@RandomJtv]

The cinematography in the final act of Skyfall is gorgeous. It feels and looks so different from the rest of the film.

[@Neat0_o]

One day there will be a 2 hour film about this brilliant man.

[@joshuaclark4091]

What a charming man, thank you for sharing the video!

[@apal5757]

Blade Runner 2049 is still the best looking film I’ve seen to date. Bravo Deakins and Villeneuve.

[@MoonSafariFilms]

I could tell there was a ton cut out of Assasination of Jesse James, just because of how it felt rushed and pasted over with voice over. I really want to watch the original cut.

[@micajohansson1138]

His work is beyond words. A master of cinematography.

[@SkymaxVisuals]

Beautifully presented. Really enjoyed this video. Thank you Rotten Tomatoes!

[@SappyDa]

Thank you sir.

[@MrBrainiac25]

The Joi advertisement projection scene in Blade Runner 2049 changed my life idc

[@acloudworld7625]

Wish this was longer. Love Deakins

[@doobie_rockz]

Brilliant. This makes me so happy. More content like this

[@dauph6252]

That was something special thank you

[@Glowbox3D]

The absolute best, and so humble.

[@raineharkins3872]

@ 7:03 is this the special made ARRI? It looks about the size of a regular mirrorless camera. Wow!

[@followingsounds5537]

Just watched 1917 and it was beautiful. Amazing job to the man

[@seanbelltv]

As someone who has spent their entire career shooting on smaller digital cameras and being spoken down to by film purists or large format users, it was incredibly validating to see him rave about using a small Arri on 1917. Use the right tool for the job.

[@MrChomiq]

9:00 Tarantino: "Deakins doesn't want to mess with lighting the set!"

[@LeonVerhulst]

Just watched 1917. Do not miss on the big screen!