22
Sep
2009
Shadowy Figures in Cinematography: Robert Krasker and “The Third Man”
There’s a running joke between a few of my friends that I was a cinematographer in a past life. Watch the footage I’ve taken of my adventures in LA and you’ll constantly hear a “Oh! That’s a cool shot. That’s a great shot!” from behind the camera when I find a good perspective or perfect lighting. My personal talents are amateurish at best, so I have a real respect when I see awesome cinematography.
Sometimes good cinematography is so good that you don’t notice it and sometimes good cinematography presents frames that make you want to hit the pause button and just stare. The Third Man (1949) is, in my opinion, one of the best examples of the latter. Directed by Carol Reed and photographed by Robert Krasker, the film features absolutely stunning shots in the dim setting of battered post-war Vienna. Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten star.
Take a look at some of the stills below, then add it to your Netflix cue to get the full effect.
How cool is that???
What other films come to mind with standout cinematography? Tell us in the comments!
Agree? Agree! It also has my all time favorite character entrance (Harry Lime’s).
Another film I’ve seen that makes me think each scene could be a photograph is “The Passion of Joan of Arc” (1928).
Harry Lime definitely gets the best shots in the film!
I’m not familiar with “Passion” but looked up some of the images. Looks like beautifully shot close-ups. Thanks for the recommendation!
I definitely suggest watching this film in the dark. It makes the film look that much more dramatic when the only light source is coming from the film.