Rogue One Cinematography/Film Techniques of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

They could be taking a page out of the Mad Max: Fury Road playbook, where things were purposefully put in the middle of the frame because the less your eyes have to move around with fast cuts going on, the more you'll understand. But a lot of those shots weren't action scenes, so I dunno.

 

This difference clearly, in part, has to do with changing styles (and VFX capabilities) across the decades.

However, I think the difference has more to do with the story being told in the films' respective moments. In the ESB shot you provided, we see a bunch of Rebel extras running away from the AT-ATs in what is basically their introductory, establishing shot. Their ominous arrival on the scene. In the RO shot, we see the main characters of the film running towards the AT-ATs, in what is likely a moment that occurs well after the AT-ATs are first introduced on the horizon. The main characters' presence, for the RO shot, is also key to the type of shot we get (an "in the thick of it" moment). So I think it might make more sense to compare the RO shot above, to this one from ESB, which is from Luke's on-the-ground, in the thick of it, perspective:



In this context, I guarantee that Edwards will also give us a static ESB-style introductory or establishing shot of the AT-ATs approaching the beach, that does not involve the main characters. In fact, he may have already done that. See the shot in the scene on the monitor behind Edwards (and in the editing suite on the other monitor)? Looks like a static long shot, which is probably due to it being from earlier in the sequence, before our heroes get into the fray. During the AT-AT's ominous arrival on the scene.



And the above shot is quite similar to the shot of the AT-AT's ominous arrival in ESB:



Just on a beach.

So yeah. The style of a shot often has to do with what story is being told at that point. Lucas was more consistently "static" than most modern directors, but even he got into the thick of the action when Luke, Han and Leia demanded it. And as we see above on Edwards' monitor, and in other shots in the RO teaser, Edwards also employs static shots when the story-telling calls for it.

 

Yup. That, and the scene below, which looks like it could be from an ISIS recruitment video.

 

Does this remind anyone else of the Star Wars:Battlefront art style?

 

Yes, but the crucial difference is that the game has no real story whatsoever.

And I haven't seen Star Destroyers flying en masse in the skies, yet (keeping all fingers crossed).

 

It looks much more static than TFA. The trailer shows a somewhat weird mixture of geometrically framed compositons in which more of a cartoonish action takes place and documentarist style composition in wich the action is also looking more realistic. It can be interesting but I've yet to see how it comes together beacause I can't really feel it based on the trailer. It looks like two different languages.

 

Well, that's just a teaser trailer anyway... I can safely say that more will be revealed in the full trailer that is set for release later this year!

And that scene where the AT-AT is shooting at our heroes is just amazing, by the way...

 

You've just summed up Gareth Edward's style in a nutshell. That's why I like the choice of directors so far. They are all completely different to one another. Edwards is nothing like Abrams, who is nothing like Johnson, who is certainly nothing like Lord and Miller. It is going to ensure that each film will have its own language and style. I, for one, would prefer that.

 

And that's what Lucas wanted initially. I can't remember if it's in the Rinzler book or elsewhere, but I know I've read that Lucas wanted to have multiple directors come in and make their own movies set in the same universe, but with each director's own unique stamp on it. He was thinking maybe in terms of DePalma, Landis, and Coppola -- so we've skipped a generation or maybe two -- but you get the idea.

 

Actually, - that's one of the last shots of the At-Ats.

the first establishing is below - which looks EXACTLY like the one behind Edwards on the TV

 

Oh, crap. Great catch. Strengthens my point, actually! Establishing shots are establishing shots, across the decades. Timeless. It's the more up close action shots that have gotten more impressive, and fluid, over time.

 

now you gotta wonder, is that just the hoth screen grab with palm trees added as a 'concept shot'? or an actual frame from the film?

 

The image can be seen in an editing suite on the left-hand monitor (and Edwards says they're in the editing room), so I imagine it's a shot from the film. Plus, the AT-ATs are a tad different in the RO shot.

 

As much as I like classical painting triangles and composition, and as much as I can respect homage and call back when it is done in a respectful manner that does not cheaply ape prior material.

It is possible that AT-AT's have a standardized flying formation and fire coverage recipe. In this context, some combination of Echelon Left, Wedge and Diamond. Compare:

http://www.waypoint.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Formations.htm

 

Indeed!

 

I hope this shot is in the finished film. It's so simple and elegant.

 

I wonder if he's really just standing there, or if he's speaking to someone? Because a shot like that would be a classic "some speaking to Sheev" type of shot. Or Tarkin, or Vader perhaps?

 

The cinematography looks great in Rogue One (the AT-AT look very impressive as do the quiet character moments.) As someone who only truly began to appreciate cinematography over the past decade, I am very happy with what I've seen in this teaser. Great thread.

 

Rather then begin a new thread, I thought I'd ask this question here as it seems to fit with the general flow of the discussion...

Came across this alternative title sequence for TESB on io9, which is both cool and effective:

http://io9.gizmodo.com/check-out-this-incredible-bond-inspired-credit-sequence-1775396127

What would other forum members like to see for the title sequence on Edwards' Rogue One? Do they want the trad opening crawl (with a minor variation to intro the story) or would they like to see a complete stylistic break? I ask because after seeing that, I have no idea what to expect and it just demonstrates how a different approach could set up an entirely different tone for the movie, while still being essentially 'Star Wars."

 

So far it looks very reminiscent of the OT. The shot of the Death Star looming large as the laser plate was being installed reminded me a lot of the shot of the Falcon being swallowed up by the Death Star. We'll see if the rest of the movie is like this.

 

That was...fantastic. I'm sold. Anthology films should experiment with new title sequences that fit their tone.

The only thing I insist on, as a fan, is that they all start with "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away." After that, I hope directors go nuts.

 

Rouge One I can say will be very visually pleasing.

Some good shots so far.

I just hope the frantic hollywood camera isn't as apparent here.

 

They should definitely start with "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away....", and I don't think they should have Saga-style opening crawls, but I also don't really want to see long title sequences or opening credits that list the main cast and director, etc. I like how SW films have never had that stuff in the beginning, and I would want that to continue in the Anthology movies. I like the title sequences in Bond movies, but not for SW.

 

Yeah, I think any Star Wars movie absolutely has to start with "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away."

I wasn't saying they should take their lead from that Bond/SW homage per se, just that it pointed to possible new directions. While I always liked that all the credits came at the end of a SW film, too, that vid made me wonder what they'll do. Roberts is a great visual director, and he seems to understand how music works with visuals, too. I guess I'm wondering aloud whether Disney will play it safe and traditional, or signal that there is greater room for experimentation with the anthology stories. I wouldn't be unhappy if they tried the latter approach - especially if it meant we got an opening teaser.

 

You have to admit, though. That Bond-style ESB opening is gorgeous.