Monday, October 03, 2005

PHI


Not too long ago I was asked to put together a styleguide on CharacterDesign for a production that I was working for. After having had a look at their boards, I felt oblieged to also say a few words about composition, especially concerning cinemascope. I picked up a few DVDs to explain about Phi and the Golden Rule, and -tell you what, even though I was prepared , I was amazed by the precision of the camerawork of the masters.

OK, I expected to find the door in the Golden Section, but I got goosebumps when I saw , that the bedposts where carefully composed as well, and so was Elaine's picture in the background.
As a matter of fact, you can stop The Graduate anywhere you like, and you'll be able to do the same thing. I admire this sincerity about work.



I am always thrilled , when I see, that someone has been actually thinking about, what he is doing.

4 comments:

  1. Maybe, but especially in the case of the Graduate you will find, that at the end of the pan, the cameraman is adjusting the frame ever so slightly until it finally fits,he definatly had a grid on his viewfinder.

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  2. The GRADUATE's composition is indeed exquisite but the images posted above aren't as precise - they're certainly not in thirds but near enough. It does appear that all good dp.s know this rule & will aim for a golden ratio. In his paintings Neil Ross does it vertically too!

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