One film that stands out in my career and creative journey is Hereditary, Ari Aster’s groundbreaking horror masterpiece. The movie’s visual language, crafted by the brilliant cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski, is a haunting study of atmosphere and storytelling. In this article, I’ll delve into the techniques, inspirations, and craftsmanship behind Hereditary’s cinematography, sharing my perspective as a filmmaker and colorist.
Cinematography Analysis Of Hereditary
About the Cinematographer
Pawel Pogorzelski’s collaboration as cinematographer with director Ari Aster is nothing short of symbiotic. Having worked together on Aster’s short films before Hereditary, Pogorzelski developed a profound understanding of the director’s vision. His cinematography often feels like an extension of the characters’ psyches, translating psychological horror into visual dread. Pogorzelski’s approach to Hereditary was to create a suffocating and oppressive aesthetic, mirroring the film’s themes of grief and supernatural terror.
I admire Pogorzelski’s philosophy of letting visuals narrate the story. His work is not merely technical—it’s deeply evocative, a quality frequently discussed in film forums and behind-the-scenes footage. He understands how light, framing, and movement can manipulate emotions, and in Hereditary, he pushes these tools to their fullest potential.
Inspiration for the Cinematography of Hereditary
Ari Aster’s vision for Hereditary was to blend the familial intimacy of a drama with the visceral horror of the supernatural. This unusual combination called for equally nuanced cinematography, which draws heavily from classic filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick and Michael Haneke. Kubrick’s influence is evident in the symmetrical compositions and deliberate pacing, reminiscent of The Shining. Meanwhile, Haneke’s voyeuristic framing and lingering camera work contribute to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
What fascinates me most is how the visuals echo Annie’s miniatures, which play a symbolic role throughout the movie. The house, built on a soundstage, is framed like a dollhouse in many shots, reinforcing the theme of manipulation. The characters often appear as if they’re being controlled by unseen forces—a metaphor for the family’s entrapment in the cycle of tragedy and doom. This interplay between set design and cinematography exemplifies Pogorzelski’s mastery.
Camera Movements in Hereditary
The restrained yet deliberate camera movements in Hereditary are a lesson in building tension. As a filmmaker, I often find inspiration in the way Pogorzelski uses motion—or the lack thereof—to reflect the narrative’s psychological descent. The opening shot, transitioning seamlessly from the exterior of the Graham house to a miniature room that becomes real, is an ingenious way of foreshadowing the story’s central theme: lives controlled like puppets.
The slow pans and tracking shots mirror the inescapable doom stalking the characters. When the camera moves, it does so with predatory intent, creeping through the frame as if it were an invisible entity watching the family. I particularly admire how these movements create unease without resorting to frenetic cuts, a technique praised by filmmakers and discussed extensively in online analyses.
Compositions in Hereditary
Pogorzelski’s compositions are meticulously planned to evoke isolation, dread, and the feeling of being watched. Characters are often framed in ways that exaggerate their vulnerability, dwarfed by their surroundings or boxed into claustrophobic spaces. This use of framing emphasizes the emotional and psychological distance between the characters, especially as the family unravels.
One of my favorite moments is the dinner table scene, where the symmetrical framing underscores the sterile, broken dynamic between the family members. Negative space is another powerful tool used throughout the film. By leaving parts of the frame eerily empty, Pogorzelski primes the audience for the unexpected, making every shadow feel like it could harbor a lurking presence.
Lighting Style in Hereditary
Lighting is where Pogorzelski’s brilliance shines, quite literally and figuratively. The film’s low-key lighting creates a somber, oppressive atmosphere that mirrors the story’s descent into darkness. As a colorist, I’m fascinated by how shadows in Hereditary are not just visual elements but active participants in the storytelling.
The interplay of light and shadow is masterfully subtle. For instance, in the chilling moment where Annie clings to the ceiling, she’s hidden in the shadows—a detail many viewers miss on their first watch. This manipulation of light amplifies the fear of the unknown, allowing the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps. It’s a lighting style that feels organic yet deeply intentional.
Lensing and Blocking in Hereditary
The lensing choices in Hereditary contribute significantly to its immersive yet unsettling aesthetic. Pogorzelski frequently uses wide lenses to capture the full scope of a scene, making the characters appear small and insignificant within their environment. This distortion enhances the film’s claustrophobic and oppressive tone.
Blocking, another crucial element, reflects the emotional and narrative beats of the story. Characters are often physically separated by framing elements, furniture, or negative space, visually emphasizing their emotional disconnection. In the film’s climactic moments, the blocking becomes more chaotic, mirroring the descent into madness.
Color Grading of Hereditary
As a colorist, I find Hereditary’s grading to be a masterclass in subtle storytelling. The muted, earthy tones dominate the palette, grounding the supernatural elements in a harsh, realistic world. Occasionally, bursts of color—especially reds and oranges—are used to signify danger, violence, or pivotal moments.
The grading also plays with contrasts to heighten tension. For instance, warm, flickering light in the séance scenes contrasts starkly with the surrounding darkness, drawing the viewer’s attention and amplifying the unsettling mood. The color grading is a testament to how even the smallest tonal adjustments can evoke profound emotional responses.
Technical Aspects: Camera, Lenses, and More
Hereditary was shot on the Arri Alexa Mini with Zeiss Master Anamorphic lenses, a combination that delivers exceptional detail and dynamic range. This technical choice allowed Pogorzelski to capture the film’s intricate low-light scenes without sacrificing clarity. The slight anamorphic distortions added a dreamlike quality to the visuals, enhancing the sense of unease.
The decision to construct the house on a soundstage was another stroke of genius. It provided complete control over lighting and camera placement, enabling seamless transitions between the real and surreal. This control is evident in the film’s haunting visual consistency.
Conclusion
The cinematography of Hereditary is a tour de force that elevates the horror genre to new artistic heights. Pawel Pogorzelski’s meticulous attention to detail, from camera movements to lighting and color grading, creates a film that is as visually compelling as it is terrifying. As a filmmaker and colorist, I find immense inspiration in the way Hereditary uses visual storytelling to evoke dread, amplify themes, and immerse the audience in its chilling world. It’s a reminder of how cinema, at its best, can manipulate both our senses and emotions, leaving an indelible mark long after the credits roll.
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