Visions of Light (1992)
Visions of Light (1992)
Directed by Arnold Glassman, Todd McCarthy & Stuart Samuels
In the beginning, there was a guy with a camera.
This is one of the first observations made in VISIONS OF LIGHT, a documentary produced by the American Film Institute, which focuses on the contribution of the cinematographer to the art of motion pictures. It is a contribution that stretches back to film’s earliest days. Before there were actors or directors, before there were sets or costumes, before there was any commerce at all attached to the medium, there was a guy with a camera, capturing images he felt were important. From these humble beginnings, the greatest art form of the 20th century was born.
VISIONS OF LIGHT is as complete a documentary on the subject of cinematography as could possibly be produced. It begins in the days of the silents, when cameras, unencumbered by sound equipment, were free to roam, and carries us right through to modern times, with today’s experts recalling the precise moment they fell in love with images on film. VISIONS OF LIGHT reviews the work of the pioneers, men like Gregg Toland, whose genius was the driving force behind the technical innovations of CITIZEN KANE. Director Orson Welles was so indebted to Toland’s contribution to the film that he paid his cameraman the highest compliment: he listed his name in the closing credits alongside his own. Of course, directors weren’t the only ones who relied on the skill of the cinematographer; the performers had their favorites as well. Greta Garbo arguably one of the biggest stars in motion picture history, demanded that William Daniels work the camera on all her films (Daniels would shoot 21 of the 24 she made between 1926 and 1939).
In VISIONS OF LIGHT, we learn a great deal about the men and women whose names are not entirely foreign to film fans, yet not entirely familiar, either. Cinematographers such as James Wong Howe (PICNIC, SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, HUD), Conrad Hall (COOL HAND LUKE, IN COLD BLOOD, AMERICAN BEAUTY), Vilmos Zsigmond (DELIVERANCE, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, THE BLACK DAHLIA) and Gordon Willis (THE GODFATHER, ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN, MANHATTAN), whose profession seldom allowed them to step into the spotlight, but whose contribution to the art form is nonetheless immeasurable.
VISIONS OF LIGHT is a documentary that should be seen by all film fans, whether obsessive or casual. It is a chronicle of the men and women who guide our line of sight, focus our attention in the exact spot it must be focused, and ultimately capture the images we have grown to love. Even though they do not receive the huge salaries that actors and directors demand, the cinematographer is of paramount importance to both groups. Without them, there would be no images, and thus no art. VISIONS OF LIGHT reminds us of this, and all that the cinema owes to these individuals, besides. It is a debt so large, I fear it may never be repaid.
Ross Miller said
November 24 2007 @ 10:22 am
It’s funny you should mention this documentary as we just recently watched it in Media Studies. It was very interesting to see footage of the very first films ever (the footage of the train coming towards the screen) and the mentioning that there was no such thing as a specific director back in the late 1800’s - just the actors doing the different jobs that a director now does himself.
I may have to pick a copy of that up from somewhere.
Dave Becker said
November 24 2007 @ 1:47 pm
If you find it someplace, definitely pick it up! It’s invaluable to film fans. In fact, there are a handful of film-related documentaries I would recommend (but I’m saving them for another post!)
Ross Miller said
November 24 2007 @ 2:49 pm
Well I will look forward to the recommendations. If Visions of Light is anything to go by then it would more than worth while seeking them out.