Podcast Summary: All Of It – "The Brutalist" Cinematographer on Shooting in VistaVision (The Big Picture)
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Lal Crowley, Cinematographer
Release Date: February 4, 2025

Introduction to "The Brutalist" and Lal Crowley

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the spotlight is on Lal Crowley, the Oscar-nominated cinematographer for the film "The Brutalist." The conversation delves into Crowley's collaboration with director Brady Courbet, the innovative use of VistaVision technology, and the creative challenges faced during the film's production.

Collaboration with Director Brady Courbet

Timestamp: [02:50]

Lal Crowley discusses his long-standing collaboration with director Brady Courbet, highlighting that "The Brutalist" is their third film together. Crowley praises Courbet's assuredness and pragmatism, noting his willingness to explore different creative avenues to serve the story's themes effectively. This mutual respect and aligned vision have made their partnership both productive and enjoyable.

Embracing VistaVision Technology

Timestamp: [04:03]

A significant focus of the episode is the use of VistaVision, a film division technology from the 1950s, which made a rare comeback in "The Brutalist" as the first American film in over six decades to employ it. Crowley expresses his excitement about using VistaVision, recalling his previous experience with the cameras during his early career. The choice of VistaVision was driven by the film's ambition to capture expansive architectural spaces without distortion, allowing for a larger negative area and a wider field of view essential for portraying the protagonist Laszlo Toth's architectural creations.

Creative Advantages and Technical Challenges

Timestamp: [05:54]

Crowley explains how VistaVision facilitated the accurate portrayal of brutalist architecture by avoiding the distortions typically caused by wider lenses. This technology enabled the team to maintain true architectural lines while capturing the grandeur of the settings. Despite its benefits, Crowley acknowledges the technical challenges, such as the camera's bulkiness and noise. However, the superior visual outcome justified overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, the team occasionally supplemented VistaVision with other camera systems for specific scenes requiring more flexibility.

Time Constraints and Minimal Coverage Filming

Timestamp: [09:19]

"The Brutalist" was shot over an intense 33-day schedule with a budget of approximately $10 million. Crowley attributes their ability to meet these tight timelines to strong support from producers and a cohesive team aligned with the project's vision. The film employs minimal coverage techniques, often relying on single or limited shots per scene. This approach not only streamlined the shooting process but also mirrored the stylistic choices of 1950s melodramas, contributing to the film's authentic period feel.

Lighting as a Storytelling Element

Timestamp: [12:31]

Lighting plays a crucial role in "The Brutalist," representing the thematic dichotomy of light and dark that parallels the protagonist's journey. Crowley emphasizes the importance of lighting in conveying the emotional states of characters, particularly Laszlo Toth. Collaborating closely with production designer Judy Becker, the cinematography reflects the evolving architectural designs within the film. Crowley also discusses his philosophy of balancing artificial lighting with available light to enhance authenticity without overstepping into manipulation.

Notable Scenes and Cinematic Techniques

Timestamp: [17:15]

One of the standout discussions revolves around the film's opening scene, where the Statue of Liberty is depicted upside down. Crowley explains the creative decision to alter this iconic image, drawing parallels to reinterpretations seen in other films like "Ghostbusters" and "Planet of the Apes." This symbolic inversion serves to reflect the protagonist's altered perception and the overarching themes of transformation and instability within the narrative.

Overcoming Shooting Challenges

Timestamp: [20:09]

Crowley recounts the challenges faced while filming a pivotal scene where the characters traverse a hill to a property intended to become a community center. Shooting this during a limited time frame as daylight faded required precise coordination and exceptional performance from the cast and crew. The successful execution of this scene, achieved within the constraints, underscores the team's dedication and adaptability under pressure.

Adrien Brody’s Performance and Visual Storytelling

Timestamp: [22:17]

The episode highlights Adrien Brody's portrayal of Laszlo Toth, emphasizing his magnetic and nuanced performance. Crowley discusses how Brody's expressive features and emotional depth bring authenticity to the character, making the cinematographic efforts to capture his essence both satisfying and impactful. The collaboration between Brody and Crowley ensures that every visual element complements the actor's performance, enhancing the storytelling.

Reception and Impact of "The Brutalist"

Timestamp: [24:08]

"The Brutalist" has garnered critical acclaim and audience appreciation, becoming a celebrated addition to contemporary cinema. Crowley reflects on the film's success, hoping it inspires other filmmakers to embrace film as a medium and pursue ambitious projects in terms of length and scope. The positive reception validates the team's creative choices and reinforces the relevance of traditional filmmaking techniques in modern storytelling.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Lal Crowley provides an in-depth look into the artistry and technical mastery behind "The Brutalist." His insights into collaboration, technological innovation, and the deliberate use of cinematic techniques offer valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts alike. The conversation underscores the enduring power of film as a medium for complex storytelling and cultural expression.

Note: This summary refrains from using direct quotes exceeding 70 characters to comply with copyright policies. Instead, it paraphrases key points and insights shared during the podcast episode.