Sir Roger Deakins Breaks Down His Most Iconic Films | GQ

[@arhan-]

Roger Deakins is quite literally the GOAT. I once asked him for a bunch of lighting advice for a project I did in high school on his forum and the dude deadass drew lighting diagrams just to help me out.

[@NeRo84]

This makes me very happy

[@38kdoncorleone]

You spoke to Roger Deakins?

[@siiodn]

@@38kdoncorleoneroger deakins has a website, anyone can ask him a question there, and roger himself will answer some of them

[@richarddrake4740]

@@38kdoncorleone He responds to most of the questions on his website’s forum. It’s crazy 😂

[@drram8837]

Great story, thanks for sharing!

[@zeigbert1743]

Blade Runner 2049 is eye candy, I can't think of a film more beautifully shot.

[@dball_94]

Deakins + Villeneuve is a GOAT level partnership

[@Jumsut_]

@@dball_94consider them the cinematography version of Nolan + Zimmer

[@SixSioux]

Watch Barry Lyndon if you never did. However both Blade Runners have astonishing cinematography

[@ios16art]

Had to live up to its original

[@taywil4496]

Barry lyndon looks better.

[@Dexter26958]

The greatest cinematographer to ever walk this earth. This man is nothing short of a genius.

[@LuisSierra42]

FACTS!

[@Theomite]

Whoa whoa whoa....he's at least tied with Lubezki and Cronenweth.

[@ligmaballs8385]

You know he's a brilliant cinematographer when casual moviegoers know his name

[@Cat_R_Waul]

@@Theomite Lubezki is great but kinda gimmicky, not in the same league as Deakins.

[@commanderkeen3787]

Nope. Conrad L Hall, Owen Roizman, Adam Greenberg, and about 50 others, all in the same league

[@heygerald]

What a humble dude. These films are staples and will live forever!

[@techtt6213]

The way he lights his scenes, you can pause most of his films at any point and it be like a painting or a photograph, really rare.

[@jonnbridges]

...Well yeah, a photograph is a still of film.

[@natatatt]

Beautifully shot, but not too perfect or overly polished looking either. Still looks genuine and real.

[@tobiasrieper6640]

@@jonnbridgesyou know what they mean

[@jonnbridges]

@@tobiasrieper6640 I do but it's still funny lol...

[@tobiasrieper6640]

@@jonnbridges nah it’s not

[@jamesraffoul1909]

What a roll call of films. Seriously. And this isn't half of them. Legend.

[@AkshaySinghJamwal]

It speaks volumes that this series has actors and directors, and then Deakins. What a legend.

[@saintjimmy456]

Roger Deakins gives off 60s psychaedlic rock guitarist vibes.

[@nickdow7020]

Literally Jimmy Page's lookalike😂

[@jumainhandayani2907]

What if Roger Waters works on movie sets rather than stages

[@SixSioux]

Looks like he's Roger Daltrey's lost brother! Always thought that

[@davidjames579]

He reminds me a bit of Paul Weller

[@alexpilgrim8248]

Yea, I was reminded of Robyn Hitchcock.

[@sudevsen]

One of his best works not covered is The Man Who Wasn't There. Some of the most stunning and expressive b&w cinematography.

[@s.l.dixononline]

Agreed! Love that movie.

[@TheKillingTreeTT]

Underrated

[@KayButtonJay]

It’s sad no one ever mentions that movie. Love the cinematography

[@Georgeirfx]

Came here to say the same, what an overlooked masterpiece it is

[@JohnnyNiteTrain]

Great film. A bit of trivia, it was actually shot in color and later printed in black & white... and ended up getting Deakins one of his 16 oscar noms for cinematography.

[@sophiaisabelle027]

Roger Deakins has pretty great insights. God bless him.

[@kennya6921]

This is the finest of these "Breaks down [their]" clips that I've seen. More of this type and people, please.

[@jamiebev3]

Agreed. I was captivated by his genius ways of thinking. Mind blowing

[@KTK44]

THE GOAT! Deakins is an incredible filmmaker. His vision and visuals are unmatched.

[@Erasureeraser]

Considering how good he is at making beautiful shots, i'd love to see him make a directorial debut. I think he has the potential to be a good director

[@bmanmango]

The humble master. He'll go down as the greatest of all time.

[@romilrh]

Roger Deakins has such a legendary resume that you could EASILY make a part 2 of this. In fact, I demand it! We need to see him talking about O Brother, Where Art Thou, Rango, A Beautiful Mind, Jarhead, The Village, and How to Train Your Dragon!

[@philsibayan9815]

He deserve more than 2 Oscars

[@drdre4397]

I'd say the fact he only has 2 is testament to what the Oscar's value and represent.

[@Jumsut_]

@@drdre4397This and the fact that Animated movies rarely get Best Picture nominations prove that most of the Oscar voters are full of crap.

[@mralexlex]

@@drdre4397 true, well said sir!

[@KillerLettuce]

@@Jumsut_ A few years ago there were some interviews with some of the lead Oscar people admitting to not even watching most of the animated nominees that year. One said he voted for a Pixar movie only because he knew the name Pixar and his 8 year old son told him he liked it, never saw it himself.

[@Jumsut_]

@@KillerLettuce What the heck? Really? That happened in one the biggest award shows in the world?

[@SilentRONIN26]

This is the best one yet of this series. Love every film Roger Deakins has worked on,

[@LoadedGunn47]

The best in the business, him and Denis are a filmmaking dream team, fascinating to see how he’s reached the point of recognition where the films he makes are almost as much considered “his” as they are the director’s with how much his input is respected and displayed.

[@kebab723]

And the ironic thing is that Deakins would hate the idea of the films he makes being 'his'.

[@hellotmrw]

21:42 - I've seen probably every video of Deakins online and I've never seen him do this. The best.

[@SJ23982398]

What did he say?

[@nubianfx]

the gasp i let out seeing his name.. this man is a legend, an icon, and any cinephile should be a stan by default.. i know i am! I love how chill and relaxed he is, and how he laughs often. thank you for this!!

[@loloice401]

17:07 so glad this scene in Skyfall was shown, just the way the neon billboard illuminates and obscures Bond sneaking up on the assassin in the beginning of the scene was simply gorgeous

[@gaylord_focker]

@@ruffmadman It wasn't a complete fail. It may be not as good as the Skyfall scene but it still looked aesthetical.

[@sdot5389]

I like that he says his biggest compliment is that for Shawshank when his colleagues couldn’t tell he actually used lighting instead of natural light.

[@danielkharlak539]

Roger Deakins is so chill. Like a cinematography buddha. Comes with being at the top of his game for over 30 years.

[@JohnnyNiteTrain]

For real!!! So wise and laidback. The zen DP.

[@nickoldjoy656]

Roger Deakins paints with light. Astonishing artist.

[@Mr.D34]

Brad Pitt and the rest of cast's acting, Andrew Dominik's direction, Roger Deacon's cinematography with Nick Cave and Warren Ellis' music "The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford" is a masterpiece.

[@tezeu84]

I just wished we could see the 4h cut.

[@anotheryoutubeuser]

@@tezeu84 Seems unlikely. Even Criterion turned down the request to acquire the film rights and release the four-hour cut.

[@sckitiz]

@@anotheryoutubeuser why tho?

[@kieranmasuda-morgan769]

amen

[@anotheryoutubeuser]

@@sckitiz I don't remember the exact reason but the guy in charge of Criterion basically said they weren't interested.

[@fuiers]

I love that every movie he has shot, he has like a little scene that is favorite to him. Also I could literally watch No Country for Old Men every day of the week. Such a classic film. And now that he said it I probably never noticed the no music thing and just natural sounds.

[@ashjonah32]

I thought the same, I’ve never actually noticed there isn’t any music playing throughout the entire film.

[@tomalexander4327]

Roger Deakins is the finest cinematographer of his generation.

[@StephenNormal]

He's not a Londoner.

[@ploopy8780]

he's a Devon man mate

[@al201103]

I would argue that he's the finest cinematographer of about three generations....

[@gaylord_focker]

@@al201103 Emmanuel Lubezki

[@John-e4p1x]

Hes 98 years old, so what generation is he? Orson welles's?

[@tristenmoles7933]

I met him a week ago and I almost passed out lol. He was so genuine And open about his methods.

[@badinfluence3814]

Did he give you any special tips?

[@Laura-nl8df]

Tell us more.

[@dylangill4927]

i love Deakins i think the way he runs his forum is so generous

[@fettfan91]

Thank you for talking to him about Sicario, it’s one of the most beautifully shot films I’ve ever seen.

[@egx161]

Deakins is a master of his craft and that he seems so congenial is such an added bonus. I will watch any film where he is cinematographer. He’s that good.

[@johannkwanlaw]

This man has been an absolute gift to the art of cinema.

[@potterpotty01]

it's amazing how this artist makes every genius thing he comes up with sound so simple and matter of fact. it's just a job, you figure out how to do it, and then you do it. so humble.

[@multigodslayer1760]

The train robbery scene in Assasination of Jesse james gives me goosebumps every time i watch it.

[@kieranmasuda-morgan769]

amen

[@adam3647]

That's not a scene. That's a moment in time - a time and place you visit and enter into.

[@erbman99]

Didn’t realize that Sir. Deakins was responsible for being the cinematographer behind so many of my favorite movies

[@burlhorse61]

he's one the best tbh

[@anshumananshu667]

1917, Blade Runner and Skyfall are something else, the way the scenes( one-shots especially) and colour grading everything works so well. Denis Villenue and Sam Mendes know how to bring the best out of Legend.

[@Jack-iu7pw]

I'd love to sit down and talk with this guy for hours. Seems like a genuine bloke, and obviously very intelligent. GOAT cinematographer.

[@KidFresh71]

What a great personality: chilled out, affable charisma. Quiet confidence. You can see why ever production team in the business wants Sir Roger Deakins on their movie shoot. Edit: I really want to see the 3 hour version of The Assassination of Jesse James now; what a masterpiece that flick is.

[@Major98]

Non-film buffs don't realize how legendary this man is

[@rishiwinner8561]

Actually I feel he is the only cinematographer who has some fame.

[@MrGenexxx]

@@rishiwinner8561 He's literally the only one. It even makes me feel he been overhyped a little.

[@rishiwinner8561]

@@MrGenexxx but I don't think he is overhyped, people are really hyping for him because he did not get his deserved Oscars

[@hugotheswe]

@@MrGenexxx You can't overhype Roger Deakins. The man is a living legend

[@Your_President_Kanye_East]

That's why we need more videos like this, featuring people working in the movie industry other than actors and directors. In regards to cinematographers, GQ could invite Janusz Kaminski, Wally Pfister, Emmanuel Lubezki, Jeff Cronenweth, and Dariusz Wolski.

[@05ginOski05]

Now I know why I loved almost all of the Coen brothers' movies, their movies always has an 'ambience' feel to it, thanks to this guy.

[@jesper_tberg4119]

Simply the greatest cinematographer of all time!

[@siphillis]

Deakins is so instrumental to modern cinematography that films are either trying their best to emulate his style or deliberately trying to avoid comparison. He's the measuring stick for the entire industry.

[@VonBlade]

You need to do the rest of his CV. I could listen to him for hours. No ego, just depth.

[@RyanBCreative]

Roger Deakins, has such a calming presence, I hope every director finds their Deakins

[@ultralightpablo]

The greatest cinematographer ever for me. His collaborations with Villeneuve are all amazing, he’s one of the main reasons why Skyfall is one of the greatest films ever and my favorite Bond, and he understands lighting like nobody else. A real genius

[@shailendradas117]

An episode on Emmanuel Lubezki would be awesome.

[@makinto]

imagine how nervous the DP was lighting this interview 😭

[@benjaminbock5758]

This Man is literally the best Cinematographer ever! His Movies alwqys look so beautiful, calm and almost peaceful no matter the situation. The way his movies are shot made me fall in love with Movies to begin with….

[@lordhoot1]

Had the pleasure of meeting Sir Roger and his wife a couple of years ago, and spending a little time with them. He's an absolute gent, exactly as he seems here. Has the presence of a retired 70s rock star.

[@NinjaBooKitty]

I'm so glad you include people like this because I do pay attention to things like camera angles, set production, composition, lighting, etc. I'm the one that sits and watches the credits for every film for that very reason.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

One of the very few old-school cinematographers to embrace the digital age. He's shot some of the greatest films of all time. Deakins along with John Toll, Darius Khondji, and Gordon Willis, are the best of his generation.

[@danielkharlak539]

Gordon Willis is the father. Deakins, Knondji and Toll are his children. He wrote the book on understated naturalism.

[@dMAXDAZ]

So detailed in his explanations, man wants to share his knowledge and wisdom. Makes him more of a legend

[@Supersticio]

It can't be a coincidence that every film Roger worked on, is a classic.

[@bubediscuss]

Every director should hear this, and then hear it again; "I don't think you should move the camera, unless there's a very important reason for doing so."

[@coolstorybro6076]

Never knew that some of my favorite movies were creatively blessed by one man.

[@ARZZiO]

Blade Runner 2049 is one of his best works if not the best, every frame of that movie can be a wallpaper

[@idanlewenhoff2295]

so many iconic visuals and the way he explains his use of lighting and camera set up is very intresting

[@osatoharuna]

he's so good at what he does that he could probably just do the bare minimum and still come out with amazing cinematography, but he still pushes for innovation in every project he works on. GOAT

[@bbgunsdj]

This guy is so humble. Thank you.

[@J3SSE]

Literally every single film is a classic; outstanding!

[@Leeviiii758]

Man, shout out to GQ for educating just normal movie lovers. Much appreciated.

[@sofkitty878]

Greatest cinematographer of all time

[@Original-Juice]

I don't know the names of any others. I do know these are some of my favorite films of all time because of the visual aesthetics. So by default...I agree!

[@HOT_SAUCE_ADDICT]

@@Original-Juice Greig Fraser (Rogue One, The Batman, Dune) is slowly but surely catching up and is already one of the best but yeah I agree that Deakins is the greatest of all time.

[@marc-antoinemarcoux697]

The man that Quentin Tarantino called "lazy". Incredible career and he did everything. Amazing cinematographer.

[@Davidsworldtravels]

What? Why would he call him lazy? He’s worked on some of the best films of the last few decades.

[@jamesburke4358]

Was that Tarantino comment over Deakins converting to digital? Think I remember.

[@brown22sugar25]

@@Davidsworldtravels Deakins shoots digitally rather than with film which is more difficult to use

[@AndrewNation13]

Totally an honor, one of the most cool things on YT 💯

[@HieronymusLudo]

This man's list of Most Iconic Films could've been 50 long... What a career, and probably one of the greatest contributors to cinema, period.

[@burnbobquist8999]

What an absolute Legend, i could have listend to him explaining all the different tricks he used to creat some of the all time best looking movies. His appreciation for the people around him and his motto of how to film and giving the actors a safe space is such a nice touch. He could be a diva, but he seems to be very down to earth and is an absolute master of his craft.

[@JT-oc8yt]

For anyone who’s never revisited it, you should go back and watch prisoners. Something about that movie is just intoxicating to watch. I haven’t seen it since it came out and just recently returned to it and it was absolutely jaw dropping how beautiful that movie is shot.

[@Moveplaylift]

I tried to watch it but was so unnerved even 5 mins in that I had to switch it off. The atmosphere was so forboding and my daughter had just been born and I couldnt face it. I will revisit it one day hahaha

[@Julia-gc9ns]

Let's not forget that this legend was also a visual consultant for How To Train Your Dragon trilogy. Without him, those films wouldn't look as beautiful and be as immersive as they are.

[@vsreedattasarraju]

Such a great cinematographer. Every frame in Shawshank redemption was a masterpiece. Saw many of his movies . The way he speaks about light is amazing.

[@jb8280]

The master of his craft…approachable and lovely chap. I’ll watch anything this man shoots.

[@TheJerbol]

Every single one of these films is an eternal classic. Few have a resume as stacked as his

[@michellecgb]

All these are, easily, among the best movies I’ve ever watched.

[@Enpamonhado]

Love how excited he is talking about his craft.

[@DNSchank]

Deakins loves the art of film and he expresses it in every frame. I´m glad he´s appreciated. He´s a real artist.

[@leandromamute03]

I could easily watch a 4-hour cut of any interview of Sir Roger

[@bev9708]

Absolutely FASCINATING!!!!! OMG I had no idea the incredible number of my all-time favourite films were actually shot by the same man and his team... 🤯🤯!!!! I always knew he was a phenomenal talent but I'm totally blown away!!!!

[@MANIAKRA]

My favourite cinematographer, I could listen to a 4 hour version of this! Thx

[@elichilton7031]

One of my cinematography heroes. Thanks for posting.

[@shukibyrne4587]

Man and his team have single-handedly elevated film these past 30 years.

[@Helixium08]

This man is absolutely amazing, and so chill. I love the very slight but very playful shade he threw at 21:35 😂

[@dollarsaurus01]

Whoa, was not expecting GQ to pull this out of their hat. This man is the god of modern cinematography

[@dignusdingus3709]

The Shawshank prison interior being a set is amazing. Today I learned!

[@IITheGoodLifeII]

I remember once looking through a list of movies I really enjoyed and started digging into why. The answer? This man’s involvement.

[@DrMcMoist]

The scene at the end of Skyfall with the flames and the fog in the Scottish highlands, makes me nostalgic and homesick in equal measure.

[@Qambar44]

We owe this man for the reason modern cinema has been beautiful, either directly being involved in films or indirectly by inspiring others

[@D25Bev]

Most people go & see films when a certain actor or director is attached. For me, knowing Deakins is attached has been the reason why I've seen so many films that i probably wouldn't have seen without him.

[@joshuabrunetti2001]

I had no idea he did 2049. I already loved that film, and now I see why.

[@trevor0701]

Best cinematographer ever and it's not even close. Fantastic interview, I could watch this guy talk about movies all day.

[@BaconbuttywithCheese]

The intro to the casino in Skyfall is compelling and simply beautiful. Deakins has the eye, undeniably so.

[@Sylveryse]

Blade Runner 2049 is a stunning film and one of my favourites. Every frame could be printed and sold as an artwork, it's eye meltingly beautiful!

[@marcjohnson3553]

Fascinating interview of a man who is a true master of his craft. Great stuff.

[@badhollywoodscience]

Deakins is a master. Get more people like this. Great interview.

[@TheJaker5]

It’s no coincidence that some of my favorite movies happened to have Roger as the cinematographer. Dude has incredible vision

[@minnierkive]

The man. The myth. The legend. One of my favourite works of his that wasn’t covered because he’s just that prolific was o brother where art thou? His eye for shot composition is unlike anything.

[@demacto13]

He truly is what makes movies the muse of so many great film makers and film lovers. I would hope that future generations could live up to his standards and potentially be as great as what he does now. He is an untouchable pioneer of pure cinematography 👏🏻

[@wobblertv8083]

He has given us some of the most beautiful images in the history of cinema .

[@Greenz1100]

A very underrated King and the GOAT as many have stated in the comments. Mind-blowing to hear him speak and the skill applied to each film and this is just 27 minutes long. Just WOW.

[@bibekbasa]

Blade Runner 2049 and Skyfall are 2 of my favourite films ever and it's largely due to this legend's cinematography.

[@TheDondoran]

One of the most brilliant people ever to be involved with film. He elevates everything he's involved with. Absolute legend.

[@yammt3148]

Some people are worthy of being called "auteurs." This man is one of them.

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

How do you get that good at something and stay so humble? What an awesome dude.

[@pierrerienier3214]

amazing video. didn't realise this one person was the thread connecting so many of my favourite movies. thank you