Cinematography of Attack of the Clones

(2) Anyone think AOTC had a much less static camera than the other films? More camera moves, pushes, etc.? If so, did digital video have anything to do with this? Discuss. (Yes, I know about the digital zooms in the ground battle -- heh.)

DV would have had nothing to do with the decision to move the camera around more. It just proves that Lucas is one of the more imaginative directors in the visual sense.

It also proves how much the effects technology and capability has advanced since Episode I: in 80% of TPM's effects shots, the camera was relatively still, because it had to be. In 80% of AOTC's effects shots, the camera is moving because it didn't have to be still.

I must say that AOTC, and the Lord Of The Rings films represent an entirely new era of virtual cinematography.

-JDR.

 

[image=http://www.theforce.net/multimedia/archive/Images/Episode_2/Characters/Padawans/aotc-padawans-yoda_obiwan03.jpg]


Mmm. Lost a planet Master Obi-Wan has. How embarrassing. How embarrassing.

 

It's an interesting shot and the camera takes it in at table-top height. This is important because it shows Obi-Wan and Dex on the same level. Subconciously this scene shows that they are on equal footing and that is important for several reasons. Here are a couple that stand out to me.

First, shortly before Dex's Diner scene we are shown a rift between the Jedi and the common populace as shown by the nightclub scene where the people's reaction to the dis-arming of Zam is uneasy and the transition from the interrogation of Zam with Anakin and Obi-Wan leaning over her is shown by an extremely low-angle establishing shot of the Jedi Temple. Those aforementioned scenes demonstrate a growing rift between the Jedi and the populace. But Dex's Diner shows that not all is wrong with the Jedi, and that some Jedi still mingle with folks outside of the Order. I think this is a sublte way of getting us to recognize that while Obi-Wan is a Jedi, and the Jedi have their faults, Obi-Wan has learned to embrace a more open-mind to certain situations, and this is one of them. Recall, that in TPM, young Obi-Wan was all to quick to see the un-importance of Jar Jar and Anakin. Now in AOTC, he seems to have picked up on some of his old master's teachings and has changed. This is important, because the Jedi do need a change in certain philospohy and actions, and they do need a rebirth so to speak. So when the Jedi are destroyed, it is fitting that Obi-Wan survives and teaches Luke, who can later on start a new Jedi Order. It's also fitting that Obi-Wan's master was a bit of a maverick himself. But Obi-Wan also confides in Yoda. He is able to get a balance between the two sides in his learning as he grows as a Jedi.

OK back to Dex's Diner. Second, I think by showing them on equal level, and by shot reverse shot camera angles over their (relatively equal) shoulder lengths, this scene warms us up to the idea of digital characters. Yes we know Dex is digital, but the technique in camera angles visually shows us they are on the same level.

Also, I think it is fitting that we recognize those who worked on the cinematography in AOTC. They are a vital part of filmmaking. So here's to David Tattersall and all who worked on AOTC's cinematography.

 

One thing I noticed about this scene, is that the last time Anakin was on Tatooine, speeding along, he didn't have many cares. The suns were shining in a very clear blue sky, and his reason for speeding along was to win a game. Now, in AotC, in this scene, the suns are setting. Things are getting darker in Anakin's life. And the reason he's speeding along this time is not to win a game, but to save his mother's life.

brilliant observation! I'm sure Lucas did this on purpose. I love the subtle things that Lucas adds.

Like the fact that the fins on the clones actually echo back to the fins on the heads of their creators.

Very cool and one of the reasons I love these films.

 

Ahh, a new shot just as a finished posting about the previous one.

This scene is a gem. I don't have much to say at the moment, but this shot really makes Obi-Wan out to be a giant .

Actually, here's another instance of the camera angle and height perception visually amplifing ideas that are being portrayed onscreen. Yoda is more or less on the level of the padawans. Obi-Wan is much further above them. Yoda and the younglings get to the heart of the problem quickly, while Obi-Wan lets issues of what is possible and what isn't cloud his judgement.

On a side note, I like the concentric circular designs on the floor.

 

One thing about the last shot is that Yoda looks absolutely real and there. Some shots that wasn't 100% the case but this one is just fine.

 

Good Ol Mise en Scene. I love this stuff, im a film major or going to be at least.
Here's a shot i love

[image=http://www.sgtfretsurfer.com/Grilled-Sarlacc/s/i/4047.jpg]

It shows anakin's entrapment of the situation, he is squished by padme and c3po. The thing i love about it is C3PO. I think he's there because it shows that this man is becoming more machine, this is the event that makes him start the dark path. I dont know, help me here

 

I do love the contrast of 3PO and Anakin.

Anakin becomes less human and more machine while 3PO starts out little more than wires and becomes more human.

 

Image of the Day


[image=http://www.theforce.net/multimedia/archive/Images/Episode_2/Characters/Palpatine/aotc-palpatine_anakin_lg.jpg]

 

I love how the framing and angle of this shot really show off the excellent set design of Palpatine's office. The simplicity of the camera angle and move, as it pans to the left, keep the focus where it should be: on the actors. What is being said here is of paramount importance to the Saga and as such, the audience needs to pay attention and not be distracted by anything flashy.

Also the colour palatte here is awesome.

 

I want a window like that
Love that particular scene. It says so much with saying very little. The visuals only back everything up precisely.

 

This shot and this whole scene is beautifully directed. They are both framed by the buildings, showing you that anakin and palpatine are framed together. They have some sort of connection with each other. I love how this entire scene always shoes them in the same frame. Except when they are talking, but when they star walking, george pans with them and puts them in the same shot to show again, their connection between both of them. And at the end of the scene, its great how they made their costumes look, it seemed like there costumes were just black, making them seem dark. dark side. It's a great scene indeed

 

Great analysis guys.

 

That scene shows that not only does Palpatine have a view, he has a magnificient view.

I like how the scene begins with them conversing right near the window, with all that...Empire if you will, all that power, there for them to see while they converse. It's the perfect backdrop for their first onscreen conversation where we really see the ties between the two of them begin to form. They could have been sitting down at his desk. They could of been on the other side of the room. But instead they were by the window. I think it's wholly intentional and is another demonstration of how well thought out these films are in the sense that what we see onscreen matches the ideas being conveyed.

Edit: If indeed that round building is the Senate, it's neat to point out that most of the other buildings around it, now tower over it. From the camera angle and perspective, so do Palpatine and Anakin. They are larger than life, as tall as the highest skyscrapers on Coruscant, and taller than the Senate.

 

And now the moment you have all been waiting for.....

[image=http://www.theforce.net/multimedia/archive/Images/Episode_2/Characters/Count_Dooku/aotc-dooku_obiwan04.jpg]


Allow the discussion to commence.

 

The thing i love about this whole scene is dooku walks in the bright lights then its darkness, then its bright lights making him a shadowy character. You dont know if he's good or bad. Another thing i love about this scene is when it ends he leaves in this black area and then it cuts to the Senate Building showing you his cloudiness and darkness to the senate. What he's creating is a big darkness in the senate, which really is also palpatine which i love how george shoots him. Showing the side of his face, showing he has 2 sides. Also, obi wan in this scene looks a lot like one of kurosawa's films. Forget the name, i think its hidden fortress. But this scene wants to tell you that dooku isnt bad but is he good either.

 

The first thing that stands out is the fairly low angle in which this shot is taken. Also during close-ups on Obi-Wan usually it's a low angle as the camera looks "up" on him. Meanwhile on close-ups with Dooku, usually the camera looks "down" on him.

Verbally, we're being sent mixed messages, but visually the message is a bit more clear. Dooku's territory is the dark, while Obi-Wan's territory is the blinding light. Obi-Wan will remain true to the light even when he is trapped and tempted with being set free and embracing the dark. And even though the dark temporarily gives a force user more "walking space", it's clear that the light is "higher" up and will come out on top in the end, even if the Jedi are blinded and immobile for the moment.

Another neat thing is the light is very bright, practically blinding. And that's what Dooku is presenting Obi-Wan with, a truth so blinding, he can't will his mind to see and comprehend it.


Edit: Good catch JedikiruAugustus. Dooku does step in the light from time to time, but he also steps back out of it, and eventually turns his back on it completely and leaves the room.

 

great analysis Vanthorne_OX

Edit: i was just about to edit mine about obi wan and he is always in the light. I knew i missed something. Lucas is a visionary genius, he is one of the most if the most underated director

 

Yet I love how Dooku walks in and out of shadow and light. Because his character is very unclear as to which side he is on at this point. Is he a bad guy? Or is he merely against the corruption in the Senate and against the Sith so he's a good guy? So with the ambiguity of his character comes ambiguity in his lighting.

And yes I LOVE this shot and indeed this entire scene. Very visually striking. Love the smoke in the air and the mood of the scene. Love the performances from both amazing actors. I even love the sound design.

 

Well, you guys have certainly given me more appreciation for a scene I already appreciated
I believe in one of the old drafts, the Leia character was held captive in something similar, only upside-down. I always love it when one of Lucas' impossible ideas from back when finally get realized.
I think what you guys have also reinforced is just how much of a visual director Lucas is. It's not just with big flashy effects that he tells a story. he tells it with color and subtle touches visually. He knows what he wants even if he himself doesn't think he knows how to write it.
I think whatever short-comings he sees in himself as a writer he really does try to make-up for in visuals.
And that's another thing with digital. He can get the exact shot he wants. Some people prefer the randomness of actual shots, but I think Lucas is such an exacting visual director that nothing else will do.
Moments like this show when he'll edit an actor's eyes to look a certain way etc.
Usually when people find all this hidden symbolism in SW movies I scoff at it.
But I'm a little more open to lighting/color/angle symbolisms since those seem to be Lucas' forte.
That said, I love the design of the cell. Very original and eerie. I also like how it's so symetrical and orderly in a world that mostly shows us choas (factory, arena, battle).
Also, seeing as how the prisoner rotates, I can see them as slowly going mad from seeing all those lights go round and round day in, day out...

 

>>>> Also, obi wan in this scene looks a lot like one of kurosawa's films. Forget the name, i think its hidden fortress.

Actually, that scene comes from Hiroshi Inagaki?s Samurai Trilogy:
[image=http://members.cox.net/znthorpe/musashi1.JPG]
That is Toshiro Mifune hanging from the tree, though.

 

Image of the Day


[image=http://www.theforce.net/multimedia/archive/Images/Episode_2/Characters/Anakin_and_Padme/aotc-anakin_padme42.jpg]

 

Wow. Vader kissing.


Well... This entire scene was well done. Love how it harkens back (or is it forward?) to TESB's ending.


'Tis about all I have to say on this one.

 

One thing you kind of notice right away on that one is that it is incredibly bright on Padme's side, yet Anakin's side is darker. It's not black, mainly cause that would be unrealistic, but Anakin isn't evil yet, so he does still have some light in him. Plus their clothes are a dead give away.

These analyzations really do make you want to praise Lucas and his visual style. It's just hard to tell whether or not these are accidental or if Lucas really does sit down and think all of these things up.

Cometgreen

 

Ah yes, the final scene of the movie. Probably the most romatic as well. Warm colors show through and behind our newly weds and the sun glistens off the water. These factors give the scene a relaxed mood but you also get a little tension, because they don't know what they're rushing into here.

Great shot!