Movie (p)review: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Thursday, 11/09/2014
Wes Anderson, 2014
All of the movies I wrote about on this blog so far (check the related posts bellow this one), have been either about photography / photographers, or about music artist(s), or about both (see Rock Prophecies). Being a music photographer myself (most of the time, that is), this makes perfect sense.
The Grand Budapest Hotel - movie poster
However, I was recently blown away by a great movie of a legendary director (if you haven't heard of Wes Anderson and his stunning movies, I urge you to check them out). Small word of warning though: his movies are distinct, special and unusual - well, unusual by mainstream standards, that is, though he did made a strong mark with his movies by now and got some followers and style "copycats" in the movie and photography world. Visual style of and in his movies is VERY important and "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is no exception. That is why I believe this movie is interesting for photographers and cinematographers worldwide.
The story of the movie is simple (as stated on imdb.com): "The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.", but the execution is just marvellous. Let us put a marvellous cast with names like Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton aside for a moment, and concentrate on another (hidden) jewell besides Wes Anderson: Robert Yeoman.
Namely, Robert D. Yeoman is the director of photography at "The Grand Budapest Hotel". Actually, this 1951. born American cinematographer worked on every live action film by Wes Anderson, from "Bottle Rocket", "Rushmore" and "The Royal Tenenbaums", to "The Darjeeling Limited" and "Moonrise Kingdom". I just love when you have a great team that you don't change with every project, and Yeoman is by far not the only one who's been with Anderson for so long.
The Grand Budapest Hotel - scene from the movie
One could write a longish essay about the photography and camera in the movie, or in all of his movies (as some have), as for that matter, analysing composition, framing, movement and effects, but I won't. I let you discover this magical world by yourself - think of this blogpost as a teaser! :) I will tell you though, that I watched it two times in the past few days, and extremely enjoyed it!
A visual masterpiece. Truly.
The Grand Budapest Hotel - official trailer
Product info
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Directed by: Wes Anderson
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton
Cinematography by: Robert D. Yeoman
Editing by: Barney Pilling
Official website: www.grandbudapesthotel.com
Get your copy at:
On the movie set of Bitch, a Derogatory Term for a Woman (Prasica, slabšalni izraz za žensko), debut feature directed by Tijana Zinajić
Tuesday, 12/10/2021
Working as a unit still photographer
Roughly two years ago, in a pre-COVID-19 world, I was very privileged to work on the movie set of a feature movie called "Bitch, a Derogatory Term for a Woman" ("Prasica, slabšalni izraz za žensko" is the original title in Slovenian) filmed on various locations in Ljubljana, Slovenia. With the movie premiering this Saturday, I’m very happy to finally post some images! :)
Still photographer on a movie set of a short film Polarity by director Tomaž Praunseis
Thursday, 21/12/2017
I was recently involved as a still photographer on a movie set for a short film "Polarity", that was filmed in Maribor (Slovenia), directed by a buddy of mine, Tomaž Praunseis.
On the movie set of The Constitution (Ustav Republike Hrvatske), new movie by legendary Croatian director Rajko Grlić
Friday, 26/02/2016
Or how is to be working as a movie still photographer
As a note of warning, this blogpost contains high quantity of personal thoughts, aspirations & emotions, not really connected to the photography per se, but more to the life in general. If you don't mind, do read on, please!
Movie (p)review: Finding Vivian Maier
Monday, 16/03/2015
John Maloof, Charlie Siskel, 2013
Amazing story of a great (street) photographer Vivian Maier that was discovered and gained recognition just after she passed away in the old age of 83.
Movie (p)review: Everybody Street
Saturday, 18/01/2014
Cheryl Dunn, 2013
A great documentary film about New York City street photographers and a bit of street photography in general by a NY based filmmaker and photographer Cheryl Dunn. A must for all interested in street photography.
Movie (p)review - McCullin
Wednesday, 30/10/2013
David Morris & Jacqui Morris, 2012
A powerful documentary about Donald "Don" McCullin, internationally known British photojournalist, mostly known for his war photography, and a war junkie, as he states himself, but a true humanist in every way. With some heavy images, this movie is not for those with weak hearts, because to see some of the stuff he saw, can make you loose hope in humanity altogether.
Movie (p)review - Ride, Rise, Roar
Tuesday, 30/04/2013
Hillman Curtis, 2010
Concert documentary showing performances and behind the stage shots from the David Byrne's "The Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno" tour, including not just musicians but some modern dancers too. For all fans of David Byrne, Talking Heads and the ones that like the good mix of modern dance with pop music!
Movie (p)review - Searching for Sugar Man
Tuesday, 02/04/2013
Malik Bendjelloul, 2012
Amazing movie! Seeing this kind of story makes you believe in the human kind once again.
Movie (p)review - The Obama White House: Through the Lens
Wednesday, 11/04/2012
National Geographic, 2010
Although not really connected with concert, theatre or stage performance photography in any way, this National Geographic documentary tells a story about White House staff photographers and could be interesting for all documentary photographers out there.
Movie (p)review: Rock Prophecies
Friday, 17/02/2012
John Chester, 2009
A really cool and inspiring documentary film about rock'n'roll photographer Robert M. Knight, not just for music photographers, but also for emerging and even established musicians.