Poor Things is one of the most interesting films regarding its cinematography. The film was shot on ARRICAM LT and ST, paired with modern and old rehoused glass – TLS Petzval. Here are a few words from DP Robbie Ryan.
Poor Things: Special look for a special movie
The film Poor Things is a science fiction black comedy, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, shot by Robbie Ryan, BSC, ISC, and is based on a young woman Bella Baxter who is brought back to life by a scientist. The film takes us through her journey with some magnificent scenes that are captured beautifully by Ryan, who has chosen film cameras to tell this unique story. Ryan used the ARRICAM LT/ST paired with a diverse glass: Optex Super Cine, ARRI/Zeiss Master Zoom, ARRI Ultra Prime, TLS Petzval, and Angenieux Optimo Lenses.
Principal photography took place in Hungary, beginning in August 2021 at Origo Studios in Budapest and wrapping that December. Furthermore, it is the first feature film to be partially shot on Kodak’s 35mm Ektachrome color reversal motion picture film stock since its revival in 2018. The film was shortlisted in three categories for the 96th Academy Awards and received 11 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Stone, Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Costume Design.
Film cameras and old rehoused glass
Ryan has shared his intriguing insights regarding the glass chosen to shoot the film.” We pushed things a lot with the optics”, he explains and continues: “We used mainly wide lenses, combined with Master Zooms (16.5-110mm). We also wanted the vignette-style look and we got it with wide lenses. We shot 16mm on 35mm which gave us this desired unique look. We also used old lenses like the Petzval rehoused by TLS. Ironically, with digital sensors, they all look for old lenses now, and you have a whole range of old lenses to be rejuvenated because of the fact that people are trying to do something with the digital sensor to give it a bit more quality. The rehoused Petzval gives you this lovely bokeh. We tested these lenses weeks before we shot. Each lens has a unique look derived from its old optics. We reached out to TLS and they detuned those lenses to our purpose. They looked great!”
Ironically, with digital sensors, they all look for old lenses now, and you have a whole range of old lenses to be rejuvenated because of the fact that people are trying to do something with the digital sensor to give it a bit more quality.
Robbie Ryan BSC, ISC
Watch the video below in which Robbie Ryan BSC, ISC, cinematographer talks to us about ‘Poor Things’ and why he used a set of TLS rehoused Petzvals to tell the story:
