What unusual decision did cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki make when filming The Revenant in 2015?
(1 point)
A. to shoot the entire action movie in natural light
B. to shoot the entire nature movie on a soundstage
C. to shoot the entire film without sound
D. to shoot the entire action film with fluorescent light
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. to shoot the entire action movie in natural light.
Emmanuel Lubezki, the renowned cinematographer for The Revenant (2015), made a unique and unconventional decision to shoot the entire film using only natural light. This decision was groundbreaking in the world of filmmaking, particularly in an action-packed survival drama that relied heavily on its outdoor, natural settings. The film, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, tells the story of frontiersman Hugh Glass (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), who survives a brutal bear attack and must navigate a harsh wilderness to seek revenge on those who left him for dead.
Lubezki’s choice to use only natural light posed significant challenges. The film was shot in remote locations, including the mountains of Canada and Argentina, where the weather conditions were often unpredictable and harsh. Natural light, particularly sunlight, is not always reliable, so filming became a race against time, especially considering the short daylight hours during the winter months when the film was shot. Lubezki and the crew had to carefully plan each shot to capture the light at specific moments during the day, often working in a window of just a few hours during sunrise or sunset.
This decision was in line with the film’s desire to portray a raw and visceral experience of survival in the wilderness. By forgoing artificial lighting, Lubezki aimed to maintain the film’s realism, drawing the audience deeper into the authenticity of the environment. His technique allowed for a strikingly natural and immersive visual aesthetic, contributing to the film’s overall success and winning Lubezki his third consecutive Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
The use of natural light in The Revenant was a bold choice that further cemented Lubezki’s reputation as a visionary cinematographer in contemporary cinema.