While “12 Years A Slave” was nominated for an Oscar in nine categories, (winning three: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay) we’d argue there was a tenth nod it should’ve gotten: recognition for the work of cinematographer Sean Bobbitt. He’s been a longtime collaborator with Steve McQueen, and an integral contributor to the visual look of his films. This 15-minute video details that relationship.
The folks at Cinefii put together this rather fascinating featurette, that has Bobbitt himself detailing his career and work with McQueen. In fact, he started with the director during the filmmaker’s days as a visual artist, before he got behind the camera on feature films. Moving on to “12 Years A Slave,” Bobbitt notes that “simplicity” and “beauty” were the touchstones he and McQueen had in their approach to the drama. Bobbitt also shares his thoughts on the “perverse” reaction to the violence in the film, when Hollywood blockbusters regularly kill hundreds and hundreds of people for the sake of entertainment.
It’s interesting stuff, and for anyone who is an admirer of the cinematographer or film, it’s a must-watch. Check it out below. [via No Film School]