Kurisawa is the GOAT. Another favorite Japanese director of mine is Masaki Kobayashi. The Human Condition Trilogy, Kwaidan a couple of my favorite of his.
Last weekend I was watching a John Sturges film called "McQ" (1974) with John Wayne as a Seattle detective and was very impressed with its cinematography by Harry Stradling Jr.
Robert Eggers!! The Lighthouse, from 2019, was filmed entirely with Eastman XX 35mm film. And it is presented in an almost square aspect ratio (1.19:1).
Akira Kurosawa is a film maker that embraces the literary in his work. He is a favorite film maker of mine and T. Hopper did not disappoint in her visual and audio essay. 👍
Thank you so much Artemis, he is one of my favourites I have literally watched nearly his entire filmography and as I write this I'm about to put on Dress Uzala one of the last movies I have left from Kurosawa, such a masterclass everything he does!
@@TatianaHopper “New Dersu Uzala Blu-ray coming in September 24 August, 2022” ‘Akira Kurosawa’s Dersu Uzala will be released on Blu-ray on September 28 by the Australian boutique label Imprint Films. The release will be region-free and playable on any Blu-ray player around the world.’ Most current copies have been poor as compared to the film version.
Great video showing Kurosawa’s work and approach! I watched many of his films when I was a kid but didn’t realize how incredible all those visual elements were. The music is also amazing in his films. Plus having Toshiro Mifune act in so much if his work created a strong relationship and performances that fit well within his films.
The first time I saw a Kurosawa film, I was enthralled... he not only put photographic ideas in the spotlight, he made them the highlight of the movie in my opinion. When I saw that first movie (Dreams) I couldn't feel the outside world while watching it. He had me hook, line and sinker. It was so beautiful and so emotive. I wonder what he felt knowing people like Lucas and Coppola admired his work. Thanks for another great video Ms. Hopper.
Same happened to me with many of his movies I was so enthralled with the whole reality of it. A true master! Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!
There are many similarities between Kurosawa and Tarkovsky, both knew each other personally and influenced each other. The following is in Kurosawa's diary "I was on very intimate terms with Tarkovsky. I always felt like he was my younger brother. Drinking together, we sang the theme of Seven Samurai together. His expression of water element! it was unique, indeed. Watching this film (Solaris) always makes me want to return to Earth."
Lovely quote and yes that's right I also read that they were pretty close, is the diary you're quoting from "something like an autobiography"? I have that book on my bucket list and has been recommend to me as well but haven't picked it up. Anyways, Tarkovsky is my ultimate favourite. Thanks for watching!
Oh great suggestion I just googled him there and I had no idea I had watched so many films that he had worked on, definitely looking forward to watching more. Cheers!
Another exceptional video. So, other filmmakers. Truffaut (the boy running to the sea at the end of The 400 blows), David Lean (the sweeping vistas in Lawrence of Arabia), Fellini (the puff puffs falling at the beginning and end of Amarcord).
When I first saw Magnificent Seven in the mid 80’s I did not know it was a remake of Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai. Later on, I learned Satyajit Ray was influenced by Akira Kurosawa. I never saw any of Kurosawa’s films. I did try to study Kurosawa for photographic purposes but failed to do so. I was not looking hard enough but more than that to my knowledge no one made a video as good as yours. It is absolutely amazing how and the way you explained different aspects of his work. Your videos are so good - the in-depth research, you make the work of Photographers and filmmakers easy to understand. That’s precious quality to have. Looking forward to more of your work. In the future, I would like to see a video on Marc Forster. Although he is not one of the greats, I loved how he made Stranger than fiction.
Hey Ashek! Thank you so much for watching and I’m glad you were able to get some info from this video or that it can be helpful to you. I love his movies as much as I love Satyajit Ray’s movies themselves, particularly- the music room. That one spoke volumes to me! (no pun intended). Thank you so much for your kind words and I’ll check out your recommendation 🙏🏻
I got interrupted watching this, but I can’t wait to get back to your video. This is a filmmaker I’ve been intending to watch, and your analysis is motivating.
I saw RAN in its original theatrical release while I was in art school. I was blown away by the visuals, the composition and colour, and the story telling. Awesome movie!
Agreed! I need to rewatch it because I definitely feel like it’s worth it and I can always learn something new everytime I watch Kurosawa! All the best!
Wonderful essay. Such a succinct explanation of the main themes and techniques of Kurasawa - one of my favourite film makers. I totally agree that the beauty of his cinematography shouldbe studied by photographers he really was a master.
Very inspired choice, some 25 years ago when I was in the 2nd year of my PhD, the PhD students run a movie club with international cinema and we spent a term if not more with his movies. I had a healthy respect for Kurosawa even before that, but those screening and discussions really cemented it for me. Until this video of yours however I haven't thought much of how much he may have influenced my photography. Nonetheless, I too find the change of the world and the disappearance of the old, etc. being a strong impulse in my art/istic thinking.
I’m always in awe of the artist that you show, whether still or cinema photographers!!!!! I’ve never heard of this artist/gentleman, but will now indulge myself. You ask whom I’d recommend you document next?????? I’d say how could I possibly suggest anything to you, because you are so knowledgeable, intelligent, and just plain artistic about what you do!!!!! So just open up your world to me and I’ll become the richer!!!!! Thank you!!!!!
Thank you so much Terry! I really appreciate your words and I’m grateful for you taking your time to watch the videos and always giving such great feedback, all the absolute best to you my friend ✨
I love his movies , i discovered his movies due to his influence on George Lucas for Star Wars . Fell in love with his work watching Yojimbo then 7 Samurai . Thank you Tatiana ❤ again your videos are great and trully inspiring . Makes me want to grab a Telephoto and shoot B&W
Thank you so much Eduardo, I'm so glad you enjoyed both those movies, I actually think the first movies I watched of Kurosawa was the one about the doctor - drunken angel and then I watched High and Low and I was amazed from then just watched pretty much all of them, thank you so much for watching! ps - ikiru also has a special place in my heart!
The Japanese virtually invented framing. Just look at old Japanese paintings. Not The Great Wave. Earlier ones. Then compare them to contemporary European -- center-weighed -- paintings.
I love to see and essay of the filmmaking of Brian di Palma Lovely and very well structured video as usual hugs from Santo Domingo Tatiana thanks for sharing 😊
Kurosawa is one of the great cinematic storytellers ever. "Ran" is one of my favorite films of his, and I'm glad you referred to it in this essay. I hadn't really thought of his films in terms of how his cinematography relates to photography, but it makes a lot of sense. Another of his later films that doesn't get enough mention IMO is "Kagemusha" from 1980. I can't prove it, but I'm sure it influenced the 1993 political comedy "Dave" that starred Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver.
Thank you John! Ran is just a masterclass in everything in filmmaking and I also have seen Kagemusha and it’s equality great I just finished watching Dersu Urzala yesterday and I also recommend it. Thank you for watching John!
INDEED! I couldn't agree more! My life has been the visual arts, as a photographer more so and Kurosawa's use of the film camera is very photographic in it's application and could be nothing else but inspirational to all photographers. In my opinion Kurosawa stands out with Eisenstein as a pioneer of film as expository "Art" not just simple documentation or simple storytelling. You have a very fine understanding of the subject matter.
Thank you so much Paul! I really appreciate the kind words in this and in the William Eggleston video! Welcome to the channel and I hope you enjoy the content here I agree with you in the ideas you expressed in this comment. I’ll be making more videos about filmmaking / filmmakers :)
Thank you Joe! You can watch majority of his movies in really good quality at the criterion collection website or even here on CZcams. Thank you for watching and commenting as always!
Super informative video! I do enjoy your essay style videos. The score was such a joy ride. I want to dig in and gain a deeper understanding of how the photographic languages, speed, focus, light/shadow, framing, colour, etc contribute to narrative. Narrative is so elusive to me! I think I need to start reading books for film makers. If you made a video that further demystifies narrative in still photography, I would love it. Certainly watching the films of Alira Kurosawa, absorbing them deeply into my consciousness, would do much to inform this quest of mine.
Thank you so much James! And yes reading book about filmmakers is super interesting even if it’s just interviews and their accounts on how they came about movies and different information on themselves, it’s a fact that we humans learn with other humans and just the insight over their lives alone can inspire you but of course also on the elements of their movies. Thank you for watching & sharing your thoughts!
congratulations tatiana, what a tremendous work you have shared with us. Theres an old quote "supposedly" from kurosawa regarding japanese directors: "Im perhaps the most popular, but masaki kobayashi is the most important and kei kumai is the best". Have you tackled Sion sono movies or Shohei imamura? greetings from mexico.
This was very informative as usual, want to thank you for sparking my interest in W. Eugene Smith, saw the movie were Johnny Depp portrayed him as a photojournalist in Japan uncovering industrial toxic waste.
Thanks Ernest and I’m glad you watched that movie too it’s really good in my opinion as a representation of Eugene Smith but also the trials and tribulations he had to overcome whilst photographing minamata. All the best!
Thank you so much Ryo, I always think Japan has produced some of the best filmmakers in history among many others the most famous trio made of Kurosawa of course, Ozu and Mizoguchi (I think he would be my favourite due to the lyricism and poetry in his movies - quire haunting at times)
Very interesting and informative video, I particularly appreciate your considerations about the strict relation between cinematography and photography. My suggestion for a future video on the same subject is another Japanese Master, Yasujiro Ozu. In my opinion his movies can be very inspirational for photographers. It's also very interesting to notice that he, like many great photographers, used only one lens. Thanks for your excellent work!.
Please do a video on Paul Thomas Anderson, and maybe his movie, Magnolia, specifically. I'm very interested in how he brings so much pathos into his films with his unique cinematic technique.
Kurosawa films, drawings and paintings are all linked together. From traditional japanese paitings to Van Gogh, his paintings influenced or somewhat directed his movies. My introduction to Kurosawa was in mid 70´s with Dersu Usala and you can see the influence of Van Gogh and Monet.
I agree, I actually watched Dersu Uzala last week and I didn't think of Van Gogh (although I can see it now), but I did think some scenes had very painterly qualities specially with the landscape and the light that painted the skies (particularly in the scene with Dersu and the captain struggle against the strong winds / storm).
Well done again with Kurosawa piece. I noticed in the clips you showed his use of color was very restricted - everything shades of gray with the exception of a flag or brilliantly colored robe. Sometimes the B&W shots had backgrounds muted by dust and distance with a contrasty strong foreground element. This in addition to the common weather elements. “Bad weather makes for great photography”, I always say. Also note the verticality in the Dreams scene. See Language of Vision by Georgy Kepes.
Hi Tatiana. Great seeing some clips of Kurosawa's work. I really must track down some of his DVDs / BluRays. There's a relatively modern film "Carol" which was directed by Todd Haynes and with Ed Lachman as cinematographer. This was shot on super 16 film. It's a lovely film and the visuals are stunning. Well worth a watch - even if you don't decide to use it in a video.
Thank you so much Paul! I loved watching 'Carol' I actually thought it was quite influence by Edward Hopper as well, in my opinion, the colours and art direction were gorgeous and of course the story itself and the actors were great. I actually watched 'velvet goldmine' by the same director not that long ago and I would recommend 'safe' with Julian Moore, also directed by him.
I liked this a lot. It could have been longer, taking more time to point oit details on the screen. Maybe even highlighting them? That would make for a different type of video but might be very interesting. Seeing what you find remarkable in which frame or scene.
"I hope you stay safe" - Being in Ukraine, I perceived this phrase as if the author of the channel was addressing me( Thank you for your content and work. It is very interesting to watch the video. The video is stylishly made, the music is well chosen, and the presenter has good diction and manner of delivery.
Thank you for watching, I always say stay safe because I don't know who is watching and where they're watching me from, so I always wish people the best when they cross paths with the channel. And I wish you all the best, take care!
Tu é br? Muito bom o ingles, porém senti algo na sua fala que achei familiar kkk. Parabéns pelo conteúdo, ultimamente to vendo bastante os filmes do kurosawa
good video, it was only a matter of a time before you made a kurosawa video. i'm a huge film nerd so here's a list of filmmakers with a huge photography appeal i think you'd love; michelangelo antonioni paolo sorrentino akio jissoji park chan wook nicolas winding refn orson welles
I'm a huge film nerd as well, very familiar with the ones on your list although I need to watch more park Chan Wook, another one that occurred to me but its more for colour photography would be the classic Douglas Sirk! Thank you for watching and for your recommendations!
@@TatianaHopper a matter of life and death is my personal favourite but also peeping tom and I can't believe I forgot Sergio Leone, another phenomenal filmmaker plus the poetic lense of terrence malick. I'm sorry this list might be never ending lol
@@mickeyjunior7177 The list will be a never ending one for sure ahah so many names in my head as well: andre de toth, murnau, John ford, mizoguchi, fritz lang ... and of course those you mentioned are also superb, I love Malick's existentialism!
Another terrific inspirational mini documentary on image creating. #AkiraKurosawa was an exceptional visual artist and #filmmaker. Out of the many #movies late #Kurosawa directed, I have only seen IKRIU or 'To Live' (1952) and 'Ran' (1985). One film displayed the human condition at it's best, the other was Shakespearean tragedy about how destructive the lust for power and revenge can be. The former like 'The Night of the Hunter' (1955) resembles a moving still photograph. The latter film deals more with the characters emotions and motivations. Those films and 'The Night of the Hunter' are great examples for image creating. I dread the day when #photographers and #filmmakers become so lazy, that they would chose #AI programs to create their art!
Thank you so much for watching and commenting, I loved all the movies you referred there I think “night of the Hunter” is another level of storytelling, haunting and emotional you can feel the fear and all the emotions the kids go through I will never forget the underwater scene and the scene with Lilian Gish holding the riffle whilst Robert Mitchum sings leaning. So good! Artist and filmmakers are already incorporating AI but I don’t think it will ever match human emotion and creativity. Or so I hope 😅
Kurosawa is absolutely one of my favorite all-time directors and writers. Really loved this video. A great black and white samurai film that I would also recommend to anyone subscribed to this channel or stumbling upon this video is Masaki Kobayashi's Harakiri. I would actually love to see you cover the films of Jean-Luc Goddard, as he's another favorite film maker of mine, and his movies are definitely worth the watch of all photographers.
Oh yes Harakiri, I’ve watched it and it’s equally brilliant I would recommend to you if you haven’t seen it the “human condition trilogy” - is amazing! And Godard is a master I have to say! Thanks for recommending it :)
Kurosawa is my favorite director, and to me, the greatest one in the history of cinema. Your video was incredible, it gave me a warn in the heart. Now I want to re-watch every one of his movies, I'm so nostalgic right now hahahahahhahaha
God why people don’t stop sayin stuff like …”he/she is the goat” ….”he/ she is the greatest!” …there is not something like the greatest in every aspect of life. Kurosawa probably never watched an artist with this mindset. He just did his own business. That’s why he did quality work. He was concentrated with his own stuff. Social Media is the destroyer of creativity. People watches the same videos, hype’s the same artist and finally they make the same content. This is probably the 1000 video made about Kurosawa ……this is the so called “mass- individualism” ……
@@Polypal3D God, why do people who have nothing to do with the comment (which was merely a personal opinion) bother so much as to come and talk nonsense instead of going to seek the help of a psychoanalyst to help him with his sad and lonely life that he has, probably due to lack of maternal/paternal love/attention?
@@brenoestrella7905 yeah, this was the type of answer I expected … another mass - individualist with CZcams skills in psychology … so your the “CZcams - psychologist - photographer” …..who is your goat psychologist ? Let us know!
What is your take on Hollywood films moving away from character and camera movement that seemed to be a staple decades ago? I remember Spielberg saying while filming Schindler’s List that he didn’t want the camera to call attention to itself. Do you think that these types of movements brakes suspension or it’s just a matter of taste?
To be completely honest with you I'm not up to speed with Hollywood's current standards, I very rarely watch recent Hollywood productions but when I do watch the occasional movie I can't really conclude a general idea from the sample that I've watched. So take this opinion as based on what I said before :) if that is so that they're breaking away from character and camera movement I would have to say that its not probably a matter of taste but a matter of the director's vision and particularly what most effectively serves the narrative and purpose of the movie (eg. entertainment, rhythm, pace). Hollywood had this idea of 'invisible editing' this is something that comes from the old studio system they had in which they would promote a naturalistic movement of camera and smooth editing that would make the cuts / camera movement almost unnoticeable as they wanted your focus to be on what is happening on the screen and not distract you. Possibly they're going back to that since the tides have been turning for a few years now and the great and there's a lot of people these days less interested in too much movement and a rather unnatural portrayal of what they see on screen. Now in particular, If the movement break suspension I think it depends on the story you're trying to tell, in Kurosawa's films it helps with the stories he tells, but he also stops and slows down the pace of the film if there's an emotion the character indulges in (watch Ikiru where the main character goes through a great existential crisis - the rhythm of the scenes is slower and we pause to observe and contemplate). I hope I could be helpful.
📍What filmmakers should we feature next?
Most upvoted comments can lead to a video so write your ideas down below!
Kurisawa is the GOAT. Another favorite Japanese director of mine is Masaki Kobayashi. The Human Condition Trilogy, Kwaidan a couple of my favorite of his.
@@b_wtangible_moments oh my god! The human condition is a must, I absolutely love that trilogy!
Last weekend I was watching a John Sturges film called "McQ" (1974) with John Wayne as a Seattle detective and was very impressed with its cinematography by Harry Stradling Jr.
Thank you T! What film is the color one with the old man that leaves a fortress full of warriors?
Robert Eggers!! The Lighthouse, from 2019, was filmed entirely with Eastman XX 35mm film. And it is presented in an almost square aspect ratio (1.19:1).
Kurosawa’s Expertise in B/W really showed in his color works. It’s amazing how the color pops in films like Ran (1985) and Dreams (1990).
Two very good movies!
Akira Kurosawa is a film maker that embraces the literary in his work.
He is a favorite film maker of mine and T. Hopper did not disappoint in her visual and audio essay. 👍
Thank you so much Artemis, he is one of my favourites I have literally watched nearly his entire filmography and as I write this I'm about to put on Dress Uzala one of the last movies I have left from Kurosawa, such a masterclass everything he does!
@@TatianaHopper
Dress Uzala is a favorite, finding a good copy is a problem; Kurosawa's insight to age and decline is a masterpiece of film making.
@@TatianaHopper
“New Dersu Uzala Blu-ray coming in September 24 August, 2022”
‘Akira Kurosawa’s Dersu Uzala will be released on Blu-ray on September 28 by the Australian boutique label Imprint Films. The release will be region-free and playable on any Blu-ray player around the world.’
Most current copies have been poor as compared to the film version.
Great video showing Kurosawa’s work and approach! I watched many of his films when I was a kid but didn’t realize how incredible all those visual elements were. The music is also amazing in his films. Plus having Toshiro Mifune act in so much if his work created a strong relationship and performances that fit well within his films.
The first time I saw a Kurosawa film, I was enthralled... he not only put photographic ideas in the spotlight, he made them the highlight of the movie in my opinion. When I saw that first movie (Dreams) I couldn't feel the outside world while watching it. He had me hook, line and sinker. It was so beautiful and so emotive. I wonder what he felt knowing people like Lucas and Coppola admired his work. Thanks for another great video Ms. Hopper.
Same happened to me with many of his movies I was so enthralled with the whole reality of it. A true master! Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!
There are many similarities between Kurosawa and Tarkovsky, both knew each other personally and influenced each other. The following is in Kurosawa's diary
"I was on very intimate terms with Tarkovsky. I always felt like he was my younger brother. Drinking together, we sang the theme of Seven Samurai together. His expression of water element! it was unique, indeed. Watching this film (Solaris) always makes me want to return to Earth."
Lovely quote and yes that's right I also read that they were pretty close, is the diary you're quoting from "something like an autobiography"? I have that book on my bucket list and has been recommend to me as well but haven't picked it up. Anyways, Tarkovsky is my ultimate favourite. Thanks for watching!
@@TatianaHopper the quote is from KUROSAWA Akira's book A Dream is a Genius, thanks for your great and inspiring channel 😘
I’d suggest Vittorio Storaro because of his enormous contribution to movies in photography
Oh great suggestion I just googled him there and I had no idea I had watched so many films that he had worked on, definitely looking forward to watching more. Cheers!
Check out the cinematography of Gabriel Figueroa.
Another exceptional video. So, other filmmakers. Truffaut (the boy running to the sea at the end of The 400 blows), David Lean (the sweeping vistas in Lawrence of Arabia), Fellini (the puff puffs falling at the beginning and end of Amarcord).
Agreed! Those are terrific moments! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
When I first saw Magnificent Seven in the mid 80’s I did not know it was a remake of Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai. Later on, I learned Satyajit Ray was influenced by Akira Kurosawa.
I never saw any of Kurosawa’s films. I did try to study Kurosawa for photographic purposes but failed to do so. I was not looking hard enough but more than that to my knowledge no one made a video as good as yours. It is absolutely amazing how and the way you explained different aspects of his work.
Your videos are so good - the in-depth research, you make the work of Photographers and filmmakers easy to understand. That’s precious quality to have. Looking forward to more of your work.
In the future, I would like to see a video on Marc Forster. Although he is not one of the greats, I loved how he made Stranger than fiction.
Hey Ashek! Thank you so much for watching and I’m glad you were able to get some info from this video or that it can be helpful to you. I love his movies as much as I love Satyajit Ray’s movies themselves, particularly- the music room. That one spoke volumes to me! (no pun intended). Thank you so much for your kind words and I’ll check out your recommendation 🙏🏻
Great video essay!!! Loved it! Very precise and indepth. Two thumbs up!!
Ps. What is the song playing at the 1:30 mark?
This was fantastic and one thing I’ve been thinking about a lot as a new photographer, which movies to look at for inspiration
I got interrupted watching this, but I can’t wait to get back to your video. This is a filmmaker I’ve been intending to watch, and your analysis is motivating.
Outstanding analysis. Your editing of his films is brilliant.
Thank you so much!
I saw RAN in its original theatrical release while I was in art school. I was blown away by the visuals, the composition and colour, and the story telling. Awesome movie!
Agreed! I need to rewatch it because I definitely feel like it’s worth it and I can always learn something new everytime I watch Kurosawa! All the best!
You are amazing Hopper...I cannot be more grateful, a massive thanks...
Thank you so much for watching Rafael!
Wonderful essay. Such a succinct explanation of the main themes and techniques of Kurasawa - one of my favourite film makers. I totally agree that the beauty of his cinematography shouldbe studied by photographers he really was a master.
I found Kurosawa’s style to be inspiring, interesting and very Imaginative. Thank you for sharing his movie style which is a masterpiece.
We appreciate your effort and hard work on this channel. God bless you.
Thank you so much Sophia, I'll keep them coming! :)
One of my favourite Directors is Drake Doremus, the cinematography in his films like ‘Equals’ and ‘Endings, Beginnings’ was beautifully done👌.
I’m not familiar but I should check it out!
The legendary master and his work!!!!
Thank you Tatiana, I'll definitely add his films to my movie list, I was impressed just by seeing those clips you chose.
Thank you Rich, you’ll learn a lot trust me and leave inspired!
Very inspired choice, some 25 years ago when I was in the 2nd year of my PhD, the PhD students run a movie club with international cinema and we spent a term if not more with his movies. I had a healthy respect for Kurosawa even before that, but those screening and discussions really cemented it for me. Until this video of yours however I haven't thought much of how much he may have influenced my photography. Nonetheless, I too find the change of the world and the disappearance of the old, etc. being a strong impulse in my art/istic thinking.
Thank you for sharing that insight Dimitris! And for watching !
I’m always in awe of the artist that you show, whether still or cinema photographers!!!!! I’ve never heard of this artist/gentleman, but will now indulge myself.
You ask whom I’d recommend you document next?????? I’d say how could I possibly suggest anything to you, because you are so knowledgeable, intelligent, and just plain artistic about what you do!!!!!
So just open up your world to me and I’ll become the richer!!!!! Thank you!!!!!
Thank you so much Terry! I really appreciate your words and I’m grateful for you taking your time to watch the videos and always giving such great feedback, all the absolute best to you my friend ✨
One of my favourite filmmakers!
Indeed!
hey, i just subscribed. I love the way you break down things an the tone of your voice is so perfectly narrative.I love it !!!!
Thank you so much Rafal!
Kurosawa films actually inspired my photography and my love of movies. My dad showed me seven samurai when I was about ten years old
Your dad knew what he was doing :)
Great video. I didn't know about his interest in painting but it makes sense with the way he creates many of his tableaus.
Yes it made sense to me as well when I learned about it and did some research in traditional Japanese painting!
Love this kind of video. Really inspiring and translatable to other media. Kurosawa’s compositions are masterful.
Agreed! Thank you so much for watching!
Awesome, I never heard of Akira. Time to binge. Keep up the great quality of work in all things visual.
I love his movies , i discovered his movies due to his influence on George Lucas for Star Wars . Fell in love with his work watching Yojimbo then 7 Samurai . Thank you Tatiana ❤ again your videos are great and trully inspiring . Makes me want to grab a Telephoto and shoot B&W
Thank you so much Eduardo, I'm so glad you enjoyed both those movies, I actually think the first movies I watched of Kurosawa was the one about the doctor - drunken angel and then I watched High and Low and I was amazed from then just watched pretty much all of them, thank you so much for watching! ps - ikiru also has a special place in my heart!
The cinematography in Fellini's 81/2 is a masterpiece
When photography and cinema meet, there's one director that prevails - Antonioni. Specially his early 60s movies.
I absolutely love his work! His trilogy is simply amazing 🤝🏻
Very interesting analysis, keep on that great work on your videos, I really like it, as a cameraman/photographer.
Thank you! Will do!
Very true Kurosawa was extremely eager to framing, lighting, colour etc
The Japanese virtually invented framing. Just look at old Japanese paintings. Not The Great Wave. Earlier ones. Then compare them to contemporary European -- center-weighed -- paintings.
Kurosawa samurai movies + Coldplay's Viva la Vida in the background is awesome
A lovely homage to a wonderful artist.
Thank you Michael!
I love to see and essay of the filmmaking of Brian di Palma
Lovely and very well structured video as usual hugs from Santo Domingo Tatiana thanks for sharing 😊
Thank you Ivan! Brian do Palma had some really cool movies I’ll never forget Scarface!
Really enjoyed this … while relaxing with a drink, natch! More filmmakers please … ta very much! 🎬✌️🙂
Love that combo, thanks for watching and all the best! 🎞️
Cinematography and still photography are different and each unique in definition
That opening track is awesome!
Thanks so much!!
This was fantastic, great work
Love Kirasowa's work , is so beautiful.
Kurosawa is one of the great cinematic storytellers ever. "Ran" is one of my favorite films of his, and I'm glad you referred to it in this essay. I hadn't really thought of his films in terms of how his cinematography relates to photography, but it makes a lot of sense. Another of his later films that doesn't get enough mention IMO is "Kagemusha" from 1980. I can't prove it, but I'm sure it influenced the 1993 political comedy "Dave" that starred Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver.
I love Kagemusha, hadn't thought of it as a possible influence on Dave but interesting thought!
Thank you John! Ran is just a masterclass in everything in filmmaking and I also have seen Kagemusha and it’s equality great I just finished watching Dersu Urzala yesterday and I also recommend it. Thank you for watching John!
INDEED! I couldn't agree more! My life has been the visual arts, as a photographer more so and Kurosawa's use of the film camera is very photographic in it's application and could be nothing else but inspirational to all photographers. In my opinion Kurosawa stands out with Eisenstein as a pioneer of film as expository "Art" not just simple documentation or simple storytelling. You have a very fine understanding of the subject matter.
Thank you so much Paul! I really appreciate the kind words in this and in the William Eggleston video! Welcome to the channel and I hope you enjoy the content here I agree with you in the ideas you expressed in this comment. I’ll be making more videos about filmmaking / filmmakers :)
Very informative. I had not been exposed to this filmmaker and his work. I look forward to viewing some of his films. Thank you!
Thank you Joe! You can watch majority of his movies in really good quality at the criterion collection website or even here on CZcams. Thank you for watching and commenting as always!
Schindler’s List is an amazingly beautiful movie in black and white. Almost every frame is a gorgeous photo.
Agreed Bob!
Great video, Thanks for showing! Greetings from Munich, Volker
Thank you for watching!
Super informative video! I do enjoy your essay style videos. The score was such a joy ride. I want to dig in and gain a deeper understanding of how the photographic languages, speed, focus, light/shadow, framing, colour, etc contribute to narrative. Narrative is so elusive to me! I think I need to start reading books for film makers. If you made a video that further demystifies narrative in still photography, I would love it. Certainly watching the films of Alira Kurosawa, absorbing them deeply into my consciousness, would do much to inform this quest of mine.
Thank you so much James! And yes reading book about filmmakers is super interesting even if it’s just interviews and their accounts on how they came about movies and different information on themselves, it’s a fact that we humans learn with other humans and just the insight over their lives alone can inspire you but of course also on the elements of their movies. Thank you for watching & sharing your thoughts!
Another gem of a video, thanks!
Thank you!
I enjoyed it. More information than I thought.
congratulations tatiana, what a tremendous work you have shared with us. Theres an old quote "supposedly" from kurosawa regarding japanese directors: "Im perhaps the most popular, but masaki kobayashi is the most important and kei kumai is the best". Have you tackled Sion sono movies or Shohei imamura? greetings from mexico.
Oh I had never read that one so I must watch some of his movies, and I actually haven’t if you have some recommendations let me know! :)
@@TatianaHopper for starters with masaki kobayashi: Black River, I WILL BUY YOU, the human condition trilogy, haraki and samurai rebellion.
This was very informative as usual, want to thank you for sparking my interest in W. Eugene Smith, saw the movie were Johnny Depp portrayed him as a photojournalist in Japan uncovering industrial toxic waste.
Thanks Ernest and I’m glad you watched that movie too it’s really good in my opinion as a representation of Eugene Smith but also the trials and tribulations he had to overcome whilst photographing minamata. All the best!
By watching movies I got a lot of inspiration for photography.
So did I!
Great to hear you mention him he is a prize, and admiration among us Japanese ppl :D Legend of Monochrome
Thank you so much Ryo, I always think Japan has produced some of the best filmmakers in history among many others the most famous trio made of Kurosawa of course, Ozu and Mizoguchi (I think he would be my favourite due to the lyricism and poetry in his movies - quire haunting at times)
Kurosawa choreographs movement from one still composition to the next. A collage of movement.
Very interesting and informative video, I particularly appreciate your considerations about the strict relation between cinematography and photography.
My suggestion for a future video on the same subject is another Japanese Master, Yasujiro Ozu.
In my opinion his movies can be very inspirational for photographers.
It's also very interesting to notice that he, like many great photographers, used only one lens.
Thanks for your excellent work!.
Please do a video on Paul Thomas Anderson, and maybe his movie, Magnolia, specifically. I'm very interested in how he brings so much pathos into his films with his unique cinematic technique.
More of these, please:) Great video!
Thanks John! Will do!
Anyone who can analyze kurosawa's work is a master genius themselves.
Thank you so much 🤝🏻
Excellent.. thanks for the video
Thank you for watching!
Not directed by Kurosawa, but I'd add "Woman in the Dunes" for photographers to watch.
Kurosawa films, drawings and paintings are all linked together. From traditional japanese paitings to Van Gogh, his paintings influenced or somewhat directed his movies. My introduction to Kurosawa was in mid 70´s with Dersu Usala and you can see the influence of Van Gogh and Monet.
I agree, I actually watched Dersu Uzala last week and I didn't think of Van Gogh (although I can see it now), but I did think some scenes had very painterly qualities specially with the landscape and the light that painted the skies (particularly in the scene with Dersu and the captain struggle against the strong winds / storm).
Thank you loads, bless you.
Thank you Hassan!
Well done again with Kurosawa piece. I noticed in the clips you showed his use of color was very restricted - everything shades of gray with the exception of a flag or brilliantly colored robe. Sometimes the B&W shots had backgrounds muted by dust and distance with a contrasty strong foreground element. This in addition to the common weather elements. “Bad weather makes for great photography”, I always say. Also note the verticality in the Dreams scene. See Language of Vision by Georgy Kepes.
Thank you so much for the advice. I would really like to start earning from my photography. I need to hear this. Ta very much
Thank you for watching 🙏🏻
Nice👌✨ thanks for sharing...very beautiful 😍
Thank you. So interesting. Love your analysis and explanations
Thank you David! Appreciate it!
Hi Tatiana. Great seeing some clips of Kurosawa's work. I really must track down some of his DVDs / BluRays. There's a relatively modern film "Carol" which was directed by Todd Haynes and with Ed Lachman as cinematographer. This was shot on super 16 film. It's a lovely film and the visuals are stunning. Well worth a watch - even if you don't decide to use it in a video.
Thank you so much Paul! I loved watching 'Carol' I actually thought it was quite influence by Edward Hopper as well, in my opinion, the colours and art direction were gorgeous and of course the story itself and the actors were great. I actually watched 'velvet goldmine' by the same director not that long ago and I would recommend 'safe' with Julian Moore, also directed by him.
Again. I consider myself educated. I love your channel your passion for film camera action. I didn’t mind this style of video at all. Thanks
Thank you so much Jacques!
I liked this a lot. It could have been longer, taking more time to point oit details on the screen. Maybe even highlighting them? That would make for a different type of video but might be very interesting. Seeing what you find remarkable in which frame or scene.
Thank you for the suggestion!
I need to watch his movies. I saw rashomon and ran, but would like to watch the others. Will get the Criterion channel next month
Yes its worth it, there's a lot of kurosawa movies there, I've just checked it recently (last week when I watched Dersu Uzala)
Very good! Love it
Excellent video Tatiana!!! I am interested in the photography of Vittorio Storaro. I would like a video about him. Thank you so much!
Second person writing that, great stuff, thank you for suggesting and thank you for watching the video :)
"I hope you stay safe" - Being in Ukraine, I perceived this phrase as if the author of the channel was addressing me(
Thank you for your content and work. It is very interesting to watch the video. The video is stylishly made, the music is well chosen, and the presenter has good diction and manner of delivery.
Thank you for watching, I always say stay safe because I don't know who is watching and where they're watching me from, so I always wish people the best when they cross paths with the channel. And I wish you all the best, take care!
I've got to watch a film by Kurosawa again!
Super great!!
Tu é br? Muito bom o ingles, porém senti algo na sua fala que achei familiar kkk. Parabéns pelo conteúdo, ultimamente to vendo bastante os filmes do kurosawa
Very informative video!
Thank you!
Outstanding essay.
Thank you!
So glad to see this video, I adore Kurosawa.
Thank you for watching!
Gonna give Seven Samurai a watch today just 'cuz of you Tatiana :D
Yay! Do it it’s truly worth it I also recommend High and Low!
good video, it was only a matter of a time before you made a kurosawa video. i'm a huge film nerd so here's a list of filmmakers with a huge photography appeal i think you'd love;
michelangelo antonioni
paolo sorrentino
akio jissoji
park chan wook
nicolas winding refn
orson welles
I'm a huge film nerd as well, very familiar with the ones on your list although I need to watch more park Chan Wook, another one that occurred to me but its more for colour photography would be the classic Douglas Sirk! Thank you for watching and for your recommendations!
@@TatianaHopper Douglas Sirk is really good with colour but also can't forget the archers (powell & pressburger)
@@mickeyjunior7177 They are super! Loved his movies particularly 'Black Narcissus'!
@@TatianaHopper a matter of life and death is my personal favourite but also peeping tom and I can't believe I forgot Sergio Leone, another phenomenal filmmaker plus the poetic lense of terrence malick. I'm sorry this list might be never ending lol
@@mickeyjunior7177 The list will be a never ending one for sure ahah so many names in my head as well: andre de toth, murnau, John ford, mizoguchi, fritz lang ... and of course those you mentioned are also superb, I love Malick's existentialism!
I loooove your channel. Indeed, I love it so much that I subscribed to it with all my three emails haha 😂. I hope this helps 🥰!
Ahaha thank you so much! I appreciate you in a triple way 😅 thanks for taking time to watch the video and for the kind words!
Another terrific inspirational mini documentary on image creating. #AkiraKurosawa was an exceptional visual artist and #filmmaker. Out of the many #movies late #Kurosawa directed, I have only seen IKRIU or 'To Live' (1952) and 'Ran' (1985). One film displayed the human condition at it's best, the other was Shakespearean tragedy about how destructive the lust for power and revenge can be. The former like 'The Night of the Hunter' (1955) resembles a moving still photograph. The latter film deals more with the characters emotions and motivations. Those films and 'The Night of the Hunter' are great examples for image creating. I dread the day when #photographers and #filmmakers become so lazy, that they would chose #AI programs to create their art!
Thank you so much for watching and commenting, I loved all the movies you referred there I think “night of the Hunter” is another level of storytelling, haunting and emotional you can feel the fear and all the emotions the kids go through I will never forget the underwater scene and the scene with Lilian Gish holding the riffle whilst Robert Mitchum sings leaning. So good! Artist and filmmakers are already incorporating AI but I don’t think it will ever match human emotion and creativity. Or so I hope 😅
Kurosawa is absolutely one of my favorite all-time directors and writers. Really loved this video. A great black and white samurai film that I would also recommend to anyone subscribed to this channel or stumbling upon this video is Masaki Kobayashi's Harakiri.
I would actually love to see you cover the films of Jean-Luc Goddard, as he's another favorite film maker of mine, and his movies are definitely worth the watch of all photographers.
Oh yes Harakiri, I’ve watched it and it’s equally brilliant I would recommend to you if you haven’t seen it the “human condition trilogy” - is amazing! And Godard is a master I have to say! Thanks for recommending it :)
I fucking love Kurosawa’s filmography!!!!! I’m glad u posted this one. Btw, do u have a letterboxd account???
Thank you so much, no, I have a mubi account :)
Portrait de la jeune fille en feu aka Portrait of a Lady in Fire - for color
The Lighthouse - for light
Both from 2019
Thanks for your recommendations!
This is great… for us newbies, we are going to need arrows to point out the key points of your essay in this lecture. 😀
Thank you kindly!
Akira Kurosawa Seven Samurai is a classic
Agreed!
Thank you
Amazing I have learned alot
Thank you!
Would like to see Yasujiro Ozu for the next video!!!
Outstanding filmmaker!
¡Muy buen video! Gracias!
Me gusta la idea de ver otros directores y directores de fotografía en el cine.
Saludos
Muchas gracias Miguel, saludos!
Awesome!
how about Mika Ninagawa? She is a photographer and director. I love the old masters how ever her work is so refreshing especially Sakuran.
zhang yimou was an actual photographer. say what you will of his films, the cinematography is always unbelievable
Kurosawa is my favorite director, and to me, the greatest one in the history of cinema.
Your video was incredible, it gave me a warn in the heart.
Now I want to re-watch every one of his movies, I'm so nostalgic right now hahahahahhahaha
Ahaha making this video made me nostalgic as well be sure I had watched majority of his films ages ago. Thanks for watching the video!
God why people don’t stop sayin stuff like …”he/she is the goat” ….”he/ she is the greatest!” …there is not something like the greatest in every aspect of life. Kurosawa probably never watched an artist with this mindset. He just did his own business. That’s why he did quality work. He was concentrated with his own stuff. Social Media is the destroyer of creativity. People watches the same videos, hype’s the same artist and finally they make the same content. This is probably the 1000 video made about Kurosawa ……this is the so called “mass- individualism” ……
@@Polypal3D God, why do people who have nothing to do with the comment (which was merely a personal opinion) bother so much as to come and talk nonsense instead of going to seek the help of a psychoanalyst to help him with his sad and lonely life that he has, probably due to lack of maternal/paternal love/attention?
@@brenoestrella7905 yeah, this was the type of answer I expected … another mass - individualist with CZcams skills in psychology … so your the “CZcams - psychologist - photographer” …..who is your goat psychologist ? Let us know!
I find it funny how many people love Kurosawa's "theatricalness" but hate when a western film is theatrical.
What is your take on Hollywood films moving away from character and camera movement that seemed to be a staple decades ago? I remember Spielberg saying while filming Schindler’s List that he didn’t want the camera to call attention to itself. Do you think that these types of movements brakes suspension or it’s just a matter of taste?
To be completely honest with you I'm not up to speed with Hollywood's current standards, I very rarely watch recent Hollywood productions but when I do watch the occasional movie I can't really conclude a general idea from the sample that I've watched. So take this opinion as based on what I said before :) if that is so that they're breaking away from character and camera movement I would have to say that its not probably a matter of taste but a matter of the director's vision and particularly what most effectively serves the narrative and purpose of the movie (eg. entertainment, rhythm, pace). Hollywood had this idea of 'invisible editing' this is something that comes from the old studio system they had in which they would promote a naturalistic movement of camera and smooth editing that would make the cuts / camera movement almost unnoticeable as they wanted your focus to be on what is happening on the screen and not distract you. Possibly they're going back to that since the tides have been turning for a few years now and the great and there's a lot of people these days less interested in too much movement and a rather unnatural portrayal of what they see on screen. Now in particular, If the movement break suspension I think it depends on the story you're trying to tell, in Kurosawa's films it helps with the stories he tells, but he also stops and slows down the pace of the film if there's an emotion the character indulges in (watch Ikiru where the main character goes through a great existential crisis - the rhythm of the scenes is slower and we pause to observe and contemplate). I hope I could be helpful.
Loved it!
Thanks Tony!