I’m thrilled to delve into the cinematography of Jojo Rabbit, directed by Taika Waititi, a film that seamlessly combines humor, heartbreak, and a child’s perspective during one of history’s darkest times.
Cinematography Analysis Of Jojo Rabbit
About the Cinematographer
The visual magic of Jojo Rabbit was brought to life by Mihai Mălaimare Jr., a cinematographer celebrated for his ability to balance emotion with artistry. Known for his work on The Master and Youth Without Youth, Mălaimare possesses a unique ability to blend aesthetic beauty with narrative depth. His collaboration with Taika Waititi who is the director on this project resulted in a visual masterpiece that perfectly complements the film’s mix of satire, drama, and whimsy. Mălaimare’s approach reflects not just the events of the story but also Jojo’s internal growth, making the cinematography an active participant in the narrative.
Inspiration for the Cinematography of Jojo Rabbit
Drawing heavily from European cinema, Jojo Rabbit incorporates a vibrant, whimsical aesthetic that mirrors the world through Jojo’s childlike eyes. The visual language is rooted in the protagonist’s naivety and the propaganda-laden fantasies he’s been fed. This vibrant approach is reminiscent of works like Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, with its symmetrical framing and bold color palettes, as well as Roberto Benigni’s Life is Beautiful, which juxtaposes humor with heartbreaking realities.
Additionally, the film draws inspiration from mid-20th-century propaganda posters, with their exaggerated imagery and vibrant hues. These stylistic choices, while playful, underline the contrast between Jojo’s innocent worldview and the harrowing realities of war.
Camera Movements Used in Jojo Rabbit
From the very first frame, the camera movements in Jojo Rabbit reflect Jojo’s youthful energy and evolving perception. Early in the film, the camera employs playful, frenetic movements—tracking shots, pans, and dynamic angles—to echo Jojo’s exuberance and blind allegiance to Nazi propaganda. The opening sequence at the Hitler Youth camp, for instance, uses smooth dolly shots and stabilized rigs to capture the chaotic yet orchestrated energy of the children’s training activities.
As Jojo’s understanding of the world deepens, the camera slows down, adopting more deliberate and reflective movements. In scenes with Elsa, the Jewish girl hiding in his home, the camera’s stillness and measured tracking shots emphasize their growing connection. These shifts in movement mirror Jojo’s transformation, drawing viewers into his emotional journey.
Compositions in Jojo Rabbit
Mălaimare’s compositions are as thoughtful as they are striking, often juxtaposing innocence with brutality. Symmetry plays a central role, especially in scenes featuring Rosie, Jojo’s mother. These moments exude warmth and stability, symbolizing Rosie’s nurturing presence in Jojo’s life.
One of the most unforgettable compositions is the shot of Rosie’s shoes hanging in the gallows. This heartbreaking scene excludes her face, focusing instead on her shoes—a recurring motif throughout the film. This choice elevates the emotional impact, turning Rosie’s fate into a universal symbol of loss and sacrifice. Similarly, wide shots at the beginning of the film emphasize Jojo’s smallness in a world much larger than he understands, while closer, intimate framings dominate as his relationship with Elsa evolves.
Lighting Style of Jojo Rabbit
The lighting in Jojo Rabbit oscillates between naturalistic and theatrical, depending on the tone of the scene. Outdoor sequences, particularly in the idyllic Prague countryside, are bathed in natural light. This creates a soft, warm aesthetic that complements Jojo’s initial innocence. For example, the grenade training scene is lit with golden sunlight, subtly enhanced with haze to add depth and a dreamlike quality.
Indoor scenes lean heavily on practical lighting—lamps, windows, and candles are often the primary sources, giving these moments a grounded, intimate feel. In stark contrast, scenes involving the Gestapo employ harsh, high-contrast lighting to heighten tension and unease. This interplay between soft and harsh light mirrors the film’s tonal shifts, oscillating between warmth and dread.
Lensing and Blocking in Jojo Rabbit
Mălaimare opted to shoot the film on an Alexa S60 paired with anamorphic lenses. This choice adds a velvety cinematic texture, enhances skin tones, and creates a distinct bokeh that complements the film’s whimsical tone. The use of anamorphic lenses also enables seamless shifts between aspect ratios, adding a sense of continuity across scenes.
Blocking is another area where the cinematography shines. In Elsa’s scenes, blocking often emphasizes her confinement, with frames positioning her behind walls or within tight spaces. This contrasts with Jojo’s earlier dominance in group scenes, where he is often framed as the central figure. Over time, the blocking becomes more balanced, reflecting Jojo’s evolving empathy and understanding.
Color Grading of Jojo Rabbit
The color grading in Jojo Rabbit is a storytelling tool in itself. Vibrant, pastel-like hues dominate the film’s first half, echoing Jojo’s idealized view of the world. This childlike palette starkly contrasts with the darker, muted tones that emerge as the story delves into the grim realities of war.
Rosie’s scenes are suffused with warm, golden tones, symbolizing her love and resilience, while Elsa’s moments often feature cooler, more subdued colors to reflect her isolation. The transition in color grading mirrors Jojo’s emotional journey, subtly guiding the audience through the narrative’s tonal shifts without being overtly manipulative.
Technical Aspects of Jojo Rabbit
From a technical standpoint, the cinematography of Jojo Rabbit is a marvel. The use of the Alexa S60 camera ensures an exceptional dynamic range, capturing intricate details in both shadows and highlights. The decision to use anamorphic lenses enhances the visual storytelling, adding depth and subtle imperfections that lend the film a timeless quality.
The production also employed custom rigs for tracking shots, particularly in outdoor sequences. These innovations allowed the film to maintain a polished yet intimate visual style, immersing viewers in Jojo’s world.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Jojo Rabbit is a cinematic masterpiece where every frame serves the story. Mihai Mălaimare Jr.’s cinematography skillfully balances whimsy with weight, creating a visual language that perfectly complements Taika Waititi’s blend of satire and drama. The meticulous attention to camera movements, compositions, lighting, lensing, and color grading makes Jojo Rabbit a standout example of how cinematography can elevate storytelling.
For me, Jojo Rabbit is a testament to the power of visuals in filmmaking—a poignant reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s room for beauty, growth, and hope.
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