Inspiration From Other Genres
Ripley, a visual delight.
This is a first for me. To put it into perspective, I have more than 600 published articles in major national and international magazines and newspapers, six novels, several non-fiction books (including photography) and more than 50 years as a pro photographer. Just so you understand where I'm coming from.
So, for the first time I'm going to recommend an entertainment venue, a television series for all you passionate photographers and printers. If you have even a smidgeon of interest in black & white photography, if you are always looking to improve your compositions, if you want to add drama to your work, and if you want to truly understand how tonal issues effect your photography, P-L-E-A-S-E take the time to sit back and watch the 8-episodes of the 2024 version of "Ripley".
My wife and I just finished watching it, oohing and aahing at jaw-dropping scene after scene in every single episode. One of my dearest friends, a film critic and movie afficionado, remarked to me over breakfast that watching the series was like watching a series of spectacularly gorgeous still images come to life. To quote one reviewer about the "Ripley" Director of Photography: "Robert Elswit behind the camera using light and shadow to help build suspense, evoke classic film noir, or sometimes just to paint gorgeous pictures. You could freeze any frame and hang it on your wall. If he’s not nominated for an Emmy for Best Movie/Limited Cinematography, they should retire the category." Amen.
And this rare artistic film is not limited to landscapes, although when they appear they are striking. Every scene of people in rooms, the architecture and street scenes of Italy, the compositional placement of walls, ancient steps, shadows radiating from people walking, is amazing in itself. Adding the fact that this imagery occurs moment after moment throughout each episode is astounding. I have to give credit to Director Steven Zaillian for his commitment to this type of presentation.
I'm not qualified to make any comment on the acting (I thought they were perfect for the parts) or the storyline. But if you enjoy psychological thrillers, be prepared for a deep dive into one man's psyche.
"Ripley" is available on Netflix. I would love to hear your comments once you've had an opportunity to digest this delicious treat for photographers.
Great B&W photography, I agree. Although also unqualified as a critic, I'll venture to say the acting and directing were terrific as well. After seeing Andrew Scott play Ripley, I watched the 1999 movie. Matt Damon came across as a shallow grinning teenager. Don't overlook the 50's noir movies as another source of good B&W photography.
I agree whole heartedly with Mr Iverson in the comments below and would add Stanley Kubrick’s film “Paths of Glory” which I first watched in a film history class. The quality of the B&W was amazing , Like it was shot on Kodak Pan X. I to am ready to watch Ripley again with my finger over the pause button so as to linger over the numerous scenes that displayed all the photographic skills and beauty that Lester points out.