THE BEST MOVIES AND DRAMAS OF 2024

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For the Nostalgic, Storyteller, MUSIC and Cinema Lovers

THE CINEMA CORNER: FOR MOVIE LOVERS

BY ERIC RENE PENOY

LET’S TALK ABOUT MOVIES AND DRAMAS

As a photographer, I have always been captivated by the art of visual storytelling. The year 2024 has gifted us with a plethora of films that not only tell compelling narratives but also exhibit exceptional craftsmanship in framing, color science, lens selection, and overall cinematography. These elements are crucial in creating a visual language that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting legacy.

In this article, we will explore a curated selection of 2024's standout films, analyzing them from a photographer's perspective. We will delve into how these movies utilize visual techniques to enhance their storytelling, creating immersive experiences that captivate viewers. From the dynamic compositions in action-packed sequences to the subtle interplay of light and shadow in intimate moments, these films offer a masterclass in the power of visual imagery.

Our selection includes a diverse range of genres and styles, each demonstrating unique approaches to cinematography. We will examine how the choice of lenses influences the viewer's perception, how color palettes evoke specific emotions, and how framing can guide the audience's focus to underscore narrative themes. By understanding these techniques, photographers can gain valuable insights into the art of visual storytelling, applying these principles to their own work.

Join us as we journey through the visual landscapes of 2024's most compelling films, uncovering the photographic elements that make them exceptional. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or an enthusiast of cinematic artistry, this exploration will offer a deeper appreciation of the intricate relationship between narrative and visual design in contemporary cinema.

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2024's Cinematic Masterpieces: A Photographer's Guide to Visual Storytelling

1. FURIOSA

Director: George Miller

Synopsis: A prequel to the Mad Max series, FURIOSA explores the fierce warrior's origins in a desolate, dystopian world, delivering high-octane action and a gritty survival narrative.

Photographer's Perspective: George Miller's signature style shines in FURIOSA, with high-contrast compositions that heighten tension and drama. The use of telephoto lenses for close-up action sequences emphasizes intensity, while wide shots of barren landscapes evoke isolation. The muted, dusty color palette reinforces the post-apocalyptic setting, making every frame an extension of the narrative.

2. LA CHIMERA

Director: Alice Rohrwacher

Synopsis: La Chimera tells the story of a young archaeologist entangled in the black market of ancient artifacts, combining mystery, romance, and history.

Photographer's Perspective: Rohrwacher’s use of natural light and handheld camerawork creates an intimate, immersive atmosphere. Soft, golden hues mirror the earthy tones of the Mediterranean, while her framing brings a painterly quality to every scene, blurring the line between past and present.

3. HITMAN

Director: Richard Linklater

Synopsis: A quirky crime comedy following a police officer who goes undercover as a hitman, blending humor with action in an unpredictable narrative.

Photographer's Perspective: HITMAN thrives on clever framing and dynamic compositions. Linklater employs sharp contrasts and saturated colors to emphasize the absurdity of the premise. Close-ups capture comedic timing and subtle character expressions, while kinetic camerawork energizes the action.

4. GONDOLA

Director: TBA

Synopsis: Set against the picturesque canals of Venice, GONDOLA is a romantic drama weaving love, loss, and art in a city of timeless beauty.

Photographer's Perspective: The Venice setting allows for breathtaking cinematography. Reflective water surfaces and golden hour lighting are masterfully used to create mood. The use of wide-angle lenses enhances the grandeur of Venice's architecture, while soft-focus shots add an ethereal quality.

5. PAST LIVES

Director: Celine Song

Synopsis: A deeply emotional drama about childhood friends reuniting after decades apart, exploring themes of love, fate, and identity.

Photographer's Perspective: Celine Song’s minimalist framing and muted color palettes draw attention to the emotional core of the story. Soft lighting emphasizes intimacy, while shallow depth of field isolates the characters in their introspective moments.

6. THE TEACHER'S LOUNGE

Director: İlker Çatak

Synopsis: A tense drama revolving around the challenges and moral dilemmas of teaching, showcasing the personal and professional conflicts of educators.

Photographer's Perspective: Çatak’s restrained cinematography employs naturalistic lighting and tight framing to heighten tension. The claustrophobic classroom shots and muted tones reflect the pressure-cooker environment, amplifying the drama.

7. DUNE PART 2

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Synopsis: The highly anticipated sequel to Dune continues the saga of Paul Atreides as he embraces his destiny in the desert planet Arrakis.

Photographer's Perspective: Villeneuve’s epic use of IMAX framing and meticulous attention to color science make DUNE PART 2 a visual spectacle. Sweeping landscapes, vibrant desert tones, and intricate costume details are all elevated by masterful lighting and lens choices.

8. ALL OF US STRANGERS

Director: Andrew Haigh

Synopsis: A surreal drama blending reality and fantasy, All of Us Strangers explores themes of love, loss, and memory through a deeply personal lens.

Photographer's Perspective: Haigh’s use of dreamlike lighting and deliberate, meditative pacing mirrors the introspective narrative. His ethereal compositions are poetic, blending soft-focus imagery with rich, expressive colors to evoke emotion.

9. THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG

Director: Anand Gandhi

Synopsis: A philosophical exploration of humanity and nature’s interconnectedness, told through a series of visually stunning vignettes.

Photographer's Perspective: Gandhi’s film is a feast for the eyes, with saturated colors and wide, expansive shots capturing nature’s beauty. The interplay of light and shadow underscores the film’s meditative tone.

10. THE SUBSTANCE

Director: TBA

Synopsis: A sci-fi thriller about a mysterious substance that alters human perception, questioning the boundaries of reality and consciousness.

Photographer's Perspective: Sci-fi enthusiasts will admire the film’s futuristic production design, complemented by bold, neon lighting and deep contrast. Macro shots of the titular substance highlight its texture and mystique, adding to the intrigue.

11. JUROR 2

Director: Clint Eastwood

Synopsis: A courtroom drama following the ethical dilemmas of a juror entangled in a high-stakes trial.

Photographer's Perspective: Eastwood’s restrained, classic cinematography serves the narrative’s tension well. Muted tones and low-key lighting emphasize moral ambiguity, while tight close-ups capture the characters’ internal conflicts.

12. THE HOLDOVERS

Director: Alexander Payne

Synopsis: A heartfelt comedy-drama about a cantankerous teacher and a lonely student who form an unlikely bond over the holiday break.

Photographer's Perspective: Payne’s use of soft, warm lighting and balanced compositions mirrors the film’s tender, nostalgic tone. His framing emphasizes character connections, adding emotional depth to the story.

HONORABLE MENTIONS;

15. Anora

Synopsis: A poignant drama that delves into the complexities of human relationships and personal growth.

Photographer's Perspective: The film employs intimate close-ups and a warm color palette to convey the emotional depth of its characters, creating a visually compelling narrative.

16. The Brutalist

Synopsis: An exploration of architectural ambition and personal sacrifice, following the journey of a visionary architect.

Photographer's Perspective: The film's stark, geometric compositions and monochromatic tones reflect the brutalist architecture it portrays, offering a visually striking experience.

17. Conclave

Synopsis: A suspenseful drama set within the secretive world of a papal conclave, where intrigue and politics collide.

Photographer's Perspective: Low-key lighting and tight framing create a sense of claustrophobia and tension, effectively mirroring the film's narrative.

18. A Complete Unknown

Synopsis: A biographical film exploring the enigmatic life of a cultural icon, blending fact and fiction.

Photographer's Perspective: The use of mixed media, including grainy film stock and digital footage, creates a layered visual texture that complements the film's exploration of identity.

19. Emilia Pérez

Synopsis: A musical drama that tells the story of a woman's journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Photographer's Perspective: Vibrant colors and dynamic camera movements capture the energy and emotion of the musical performances, creating a visually engaging experience.

20. I'm Still Here

Synopsis: A documentary-style narrative that follows an individual's quest for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Photographer's Perspective: Handheld camerawork and natural lighting lend authenticity to the storytelling, immersing the viewer in the protagonist's journey.

21. Nickel Boys

Synopsis: An adaptation of Colson Whitehead's novel, focusing on the harrowing experiences of boys at a reform school in the Jim Crow-era South.

Photographer's Perspective: The film's use of desaturated colors and stark lighting underscores the grim realities of its setting, providing a powerful visual commentary.

These films have garnered critical acclaim and audience appreciation, further enriching the cinematic landscape of 2024. Each offers unique visual storytelling techniques that continue to inspire and captivate.

Best Dramas

13. SHOGUN

Synopsis: A cinematic adaptation of James Clavell’s epic novel, Shogun explores feudal Japan through the eyes of a shipwrecked sailor.

Photographer's Perspective: Sweeping landscapes and intricate costume designs are captured with striking attention to detail. The interplay of natural light and rich colors immerses the viewer in the story’s historical setting.

14. TRUE DETECTIVE: NIGHT COUNTRY

Director: Issa López

Synopsis: This latest installment of the True Detective series offers a chilling tale set in the icy landscapes of Alaska, unraveling a haunting mystery.

Photographer's Perspective: Lopez’s use of stark, desaturated tones and moody lighting heightens the series’ tension. The icy backdrops serve as a metaphor for isolation, adding depth to the gripping narrative.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

23. The Last Summer

Synopsis: Set in a small coastal town, this coming-of-age drama explores the fragile transition from adolescence to adulthood during a group of friends' final summer together.

Photographer's Perspective: The film captures fleeting moments of youth with golden hour lighting and soft, pastel tones, creating an emotional resonance that mirrors its nostalgic themes.

24. The Forgotten Letter

Synopsis: A heart-wrenching drama about a mysterious letter found in an antique store that unveils a decades-old love story and its impact on the present.

Photographer's Perspective: Beautifully composed frames of vintage settings and handwritten letters evoke a sense of timelessness and romance, immersing the viewer in the narrative.

25. Echoes of Silence

Director: TBA

Synopsis: A psychological drama following a musician's struggle with self-doubt and creativity after losing their hearing.

Photographer's Perspective: The use of sound design and visuals interplay brilliantly, with muted colors and stark contrasts reflecting the protagonist’s internal conflict and eventual growth.

26. Beneath the Maple Trees

Synopsis: A family drama centered on reconciliation, as estranged siblings come together to settle their late parents' estate in their childhood home.

Photographer's Perspective: The film leans on naturalistic lighting and close-ups, capturing the raw emotions of its characters while showcasing picturesque countryside landscapes.

27. The Ties That Bind

Synopsis: A moving story about the bonds of friendship and loyalty, as two lifelong friends navigate a life-altering betrayal.

Photographer's Perspective: Golden hues and thoughtful framing emphasize the warmth of their friendship, juxtaposed with colder tones as the story turns more somber.

CONCLUSION

Cinema is an unparalleled source of inspiration for photographers, offering lessons in composition, light, and storytelling. Directors and cinematographers craft visual narratives that transcend the screen, embedding emotions and ideas into every frame.

Stanley Kubrick, with his symmetrical perfection, and Wes Anderson, the master of color and composition, remind photographers of the power of meticulous detail. Kubrick’s use of framing draws the viewer into the story, while Anderson’s color science creates emotional resonance. Both exemplify how attention to visual elements can elevate storytelling.

The use of natural light by Emmanuel Lubezki and Terrence Malick highlights the beauty of simplicity. Their films remind us that some of the most striking visuals come from embracing the natural world. Whether it’s Malick’s ethereal landscapes or Lubezki’s immersive long takes, their work teaches us to find beauty in what’s already around us.

Innovators like Christopher Nolan and Roger Deakins push the boundaries of what’s possible in visual storytelling. Nolan’s use of scale and Deakins’ mastery of light and shadow show photographers how to create drama and mood with technical precision.

From Akira Kurosawa’s dynamic framing to Greta Gerwig’s vibrant storytelling, each filmmaker on this list demonstrates the power of a unique visual language. Their work encourages photographers to develop their own styles, blending technical expertise with artistic vision.

Ultimately, these cinematic masters remind us that storytelling is at the heart of visual art. A photograph, like a film, should convey emotion, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impact. As photographers, we can draw endless inspiration from these visionaries, applying their techniques and philosophies to our craft.

Next time you watch a film, pay attention to the framing, light, and movement. Let these elements inform your photography, and watch as your work transforms into its own form of visual storytelling.