Sir Roger Deakins Breaks Down His Most Iconic Films | GQ

"I'll never talk to you again if you don't direct it." Oscar-winning cinematographer Sir Roger Deakins breaks down his most iconic films, including '1917,' 'Prisoners,' 'The Shawshank Redemption,' 'Sicario,' 'The Big Lebowski,' 'No Country for Old Men,' 'Skyfall,' 'Fargo,' 'The Assassination of Jesse James,' 'Empire of Light' and 'Blade Runner 2049.'
Director: Graham Corrigan
Director of Photography: Matt Krueger
Editor: Robby Massey
Talent: Roger Deakins
Executive Producer: Traci Oshiro
Producer: Kristen Rakes
Associate Producer: Sam Dennis
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi
Production and Equipment Manager: Kevin Balash
Talent Booker: Mica Medoff
Gaffer/ Camera Operator: Shay Eberle Gunst
Audio: Kari Barber
Production Assistant: Ariel Labasan
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
00:00 Roger Deakins' Most Iconic Films
00:14 1917
03:04 Prisoners
06:16 The Shawshank Redemption
07:49 Sicario
10:15 The Big Lebowski
12:32 No Country for Old Men
16:17 Skyfall
18:43 Fargo
20:15 The Assassination of Jesse James
23:09 Empire of Light
25:29 Blade Runner 2049
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[@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

[@Sam_Francis]

@@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

[@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.

[@AkshaySinghJamwal]

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

[@jamesraffoul1909]

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

[@nerd26373]

Roger Deakins has pretty great insights. God bless him.

[@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.

[@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?

[@bmanmango]

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

[@KTK44]

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

[@4deleDaz33m]

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

[@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?

[@kennya6921]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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'.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@nickoldjoy656]

Roger Deakins paints with light. Astonishing artist.

[@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.

[@SilentRONIN26]

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

[@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!!

[@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

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

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

[@emiliog.4432]

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.

[@fettfan91]

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

[@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

[@johannkwanlaw]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@jesper_tberg4119]

Simply the greatest cinematographer of all time!

[@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.

[@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.

[@makinto]

imagine how nervous the DP was lighting this interview 😭

[@shailendradas117]

An episode on Emmanuel Lubezki would be awesome.

[@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

[@VonBlade]

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

[@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.

[@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….

[@idanlewenhoff2295]

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

[@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

[@RyanBCreative]

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

[@bbgunsdj]

This guy is so humble. Thank you.

[@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.

[@pierrerienier3214]

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

[@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.

[@MANIAKRA]

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

[@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.

[@badhollywoodscience]

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

[@elichilton7031]

One of my cinematography heroes. Thanks for posting.

[@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.

[@dMAXDAZ]

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

[@RafidW9]

Dennis Villeneuve+Roger Deakins = guaranteed masterpiece.

[@jylyhughes5085]

Yes!

[@RobWatt]

Love this! Thanks for sharing. James and Roger are that the top of the craft. Huge inspirations

[@ddada7022]

Roger always finds the picture of what the story needs. It brings me pure joy and admiration to stare at these magnificient artworks. Thank you😇

[@leandromamute03]

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

[@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.

[@Enpamonhado]

Love how excited he is talking about his craft.

[@J3SSE]

Literally every single film is a classic; outstanding!

[@jase276]

Bless this man. He's had a hand in creating so many legendary pieces of art. Absolute lad

[@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.

[@bostria]

Very relaxing voice. I could listen the whole day.

[@jimi3314]

Such a master at his craft. anything he touches is gold.

[@Terry_Boyeer]

This guy is an inspiration to anyone who wants to do great movies! Every shot is a perfect photography. And every take tells a story. Amazing guy. Legend

[@the2ndbestNameever]

Absolutely loved hearing the insights of this master's craft.

[@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.

[@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!!!!

[@michellecgb]

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

[@alex2980]

I could listen to him all day. I love cinematography

[@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."

[@KayButtonJay]

Excellent interview

[@triplr3777]

He really is a one of a kind. Insanely talented and greatly humble.

[@mateonotsuke]

So nice to hear him speak about films

[@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.

[@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.

[@ARZZiO]

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

[@marcjohnson3553]

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

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

love his dreamy 60s rocker voice

[@jb8280]

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

[@AndrewNation13]

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

[@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

[@houndyears2]

OMG!!..such an amazing interview to learn what it takes to make movies that I have seen.. outstanding ones.

[@techtt6213]

For those wanting an additional video that focusses more on the technique and tech, in depth cine also did a great video on his style

[@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.

[@coolstorybro6076]

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

[@QuellTheHeresy]

Always loved the FLIR Vs NVG view in sicario

[@CoinOpTV]

One of my favorite cinematographers ever!

[@Helixium08]

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

[@asdfghjuyteqwe]

Love this episode!!

[@JasmineTeaEnjoyer]

28 min Roger Deakins breakdown video? Is it my Birthday???

[@vikki5804]

Blade runner 2049 is seriously underrated and under appreciated

[@SamuraiShampoo77]

It’s become one of the most beloved films of the passed decade tbh, but sadly no it’ll never have the same popularity of Marvel junk or something

[@burlhorse61]

i was amazed-when i saw that film.didn't think it'll be as good as the first one

[@TheDondoran]

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

[@503unavailable]

I could listen to him talk about lighting and camera all day. what a legend

[@Lexinger2]

Imagine the pressure of lighting the interview set

[@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.