Cinematography of The Phantom Menace

I have received the blessing to turn my daily TPM DF routine of a random photo a day, into it's very own thread and discussion. As we all know, I will post a random image from The Phantom Menace here each day, you can feel free to comment on the cinematography of the shot or of the film altogether. Input of all kind is welcome, whether you see the shot as perfectly done or even have a suggestion as to what could have made it better. As for today's image.....


[image=http://www.theforce.net/multimedia/archive/Images/Episode_1/Characters/Obi-Wan_Kenobi/t-obihood.jpg]

 

I must admit, despite having an A Level in film studies, cinematography was always something I was never any good at! But I have to say that Qui-Gon's funeral in The Phantom Menace is probably one of the most visually appealling scenes in the whole Saga. Everything about it is just right, especially the mournful expressions on both Jar Jar and Boss Nass's faces, which is an achievement in itself! Also, I love the way the camera pans over to Palpatine at the end, as it still sends a shiver down my spine. Although I don't think George was firing on all cylinders when he made The Phantom Menace, it's moments like that which make me believe George hasn't lost his touch entirely.

Anyway, good job posting this thread, -_-_-_-_-_-.

 

I love how Obi-Wan is standing between Anakin and his future wife Padme. The expression on Jar Jar Binks' face tells us all we need to know.

 

Both TPM and AOTC have really good cinematography. Really great. I was especially pleased with the way the shots looked on the Trade Federation ship: where the eerie aqua glow of Naboo filtered through the windows on the bridge and in the conference room. And the way the scenes in Otoh Gunga were lit was just fantastic: the cinematogrpahy and the effects complimented each other so well.

As for the sene you've posted: that was, as most of the film, very well shot and lit, but it's not my favorite: I've seen plenty of films with lighting just like that, whereas the eerie atmosphere that was created at the beginning of the film is quite unique. The only part I didn't like was the Tatooine sequences, where some shots looked a bit flat and a bit oversaturated, but I still LOVED the podrace, where once again, the effects and the on-location photography blended together so well.

-JDR.

 

I love that long shot of Anakin, Obi Wan, Padme and Palpatine.

 

...with Anakin in shadow, too. I wonder if that was deliberate, as a literal foreshadowing of his fate? Or am I getting into annoying film student mode?

 

I love how Obi-Wan is standing between Anakin and his future wife Padme.


Excellent point Learner, it's almost bitter irony considering that Obi-Wan did come between he and Padme' in AOTC ("I can't take Dooku alone!") and may continue to do so from Anakin's POV in Episode III.


EDIT: Steve, you're a major in Film Studies?

 

Well, I took it as an A Level last year, which is the qualification you need to take in order to get into university, and hopefully I shall be studying it at university next year, so....err....yes! Although, embarrassingly enough, I've forgotten so much about it, I should really read up on some of my notes soon.

 

You'll have to get studying and revising again, but that means less of you here.

 

Steve


I am a Film major as well.

 

I'm a film major too!

And I SUCK at all things cinematographical!

I'm more of a writer or an editor

For what it's worth, I think TPM's a visual stunner, and AOTC is the best-looking movie EVER, so I like this thread and will try to post intelligently when I have something to say.



Rick McCallum loves you!

 

First off, Dash (may I call you that?) Superb thread topic. I had been thinking of starting a thread about TPM's cinematography but couldn't think of how to make it special. I like your idea about you posting one pic a day.

I'm not a film major, but that doesn't mean I don't like watching films and discussing them. I'm trying to learn how to look at a shot and figure out what kind of lens was used. Does anyone have enough experience to identify what lens was used for each of the shots Dash will post, starting with this one? I'd really like to know.

The thing that sticks out to me about this shot is Obi-Wan's hood is pulled up. I wonder why it was decided to have his hood up rather than down? Remember, Mace didn't have his hood up.

So from that angle, it's neat because you have Obi-Wan and Amidala more or less covered, and Anakin and Palpatine are uncovered. Nothing earth-shattering, just cool.

 

Allow the discussion to commence....

[image=http://www.theforce.net/multimedia/archive/Images/Episode_1/Characters/Palpatine/prmholo.jpg]



And thank you, Vanthorne.

 

^THAT's what I was talking about in my previous post: I LOVE the way all the scenes on the Federation Battleship look. Could'ja post that shot of Obi and Qui-Gon standing right by the window in the conference room next? That's my favorite shot of the whole film.

-JDR.

 

"Remember, Mace didn't have his hood up."

Actually, Mace did have his hood up when he was talking to Yoda about which Sith Lord was killed.

 

What's with all the damn lens flares?!! They look so stupid and are so annoying. It's like the guys saying, "Yeah, we're filming this, see here are the lens flares!! We are shooting this with a camera (even though the Lens Flares are all cg)!!!

 

PMT99, yeah my bad, Mace did have his hood up. It's just when I think about Mace, all I envision is that big shiny bald head.

What strikes me about today's shot is the scenario it sets up. In the foreground it appears to be some sort of business meeting, but the background shows a planetary invasion is involved. Sith Inc. Destroying the Republic, One Planet At A Time.

 

The image for Sunday.


[image=http://www.theforce.net/multimedia/archive/Images/Episode_1/Characters/Qui-Gon_Jinn/swig121.jpg]

 

One thing I didn't like about this scene was the fact that I didn't know why they were running for until I saw the deleted scene. They should of kept that in. Darth Maul basically tries to run Anakin over and his main concern is the Jedi Knight. He doesn't care about anything else at that moment. He wants his revenge.

 

What's with all the damn lens flares?!! They look so stupid and are so annoying. It's like the guys saying, "Yeah, we're filming this, see here are the lens flares!! We are shooting this with a camera (even though the Lens Flares are all cg)!!!

What lens flares? What are you going on about? Really, your outbursts are just IRRITATING. Besides, the only lens flare I can actually remember in TPM was during the scene with the sun setting on Coruscant.

-JDR.

 

Heh, I have a minor gripe with today's shot. There's too much going on in the background. It's distracting me from watching Qui-Gon and Anakin run.

 

Good point.

 

[image=http://www.theforce.net/multimedia/archive/Images/Episode_1/Characters/Obi-Wan_Kenobi/t-obianakin.jpg]


First Meeting.

 

i love the cinematography very bright and pleasing

 

This should of been a happy first meeting between master and apprentice, but everytime I see Obi-Wan smile and shake his hand I always remember his racist comment to Binks and to Anakin. Makes me angry beyond belief.

Obi-Wan: Why do I sense we've picked up another pathetic life-form.