Vittorio Storaro is one of the greatest, if not the best, cinematographer ever, renowned for his visually stunning work in the film industry. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, pairing up in long-lasting creative collaborations with the likes of Bernardo Bertolucci, Francis Ford Coppola and Warren Beatty, and won three Academy Awards for Best Cinematography for his work on Apocalypse Now, Reds, and The Last Emperor.
His unique vision for capturing light and color and the expressionist vein with which he chooses the color pallette have become his trademark style. This list takes into consideration the best movies who featured the Italian cinematographer and his lasting impact in the industry. Storaro brings to life the atmosphere of a movie like no one does. Maestro.
10 Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist
Morgan Creek Productions
Directed by Paul Schrader, Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist is the alternative prequel to the famous franchise that started with the 1973 masterpiece. It stars Stellan Skarsgård as Father Lankester Merrin. After a traumatic experience during World War II, Father Merrin became an archeologist and traveled to Derati, British Kenya, to direct the excavation of a 5th-century Byzantine church. Psychologically detailed and charming in its slow-paced rhythm, this horror is almost meditative.
The Italian cinematographer perfectly captures the gloomy atmosphere of the screenplay and the internal battle of the protagonist, making great use of shadows and dark lighting. At the same time, the isolation of the archeological site and, as a consequence, of the characters is perfectly conveyed by the superb use of close-ups. A niche picture in Paul Schrader’s filmography, but an amazing job by Storaro.
9 Dick Tracy
Touchstone Pictures
Produced and directed by Warren Beatty, who also stars as the main protagonist, Dick Tracy is based on the homonymous comic strip made by Chester Gould, and it features crime and action tones with touches of comedy. Dick Tracy is a police detective fighting organized crime’s boss Alphonse “Big Boy” Caprice (Al Pacino), while at the same time resisting the avances of entertainer Breathless “The Blank” Mahoney (Madonna). Over the years, Dick Tracy has become a cult thanks to its unique visual style.
Storaro takes here a straightforward direction and decides to bring on screen the visual characteristics of comic books. The colors are bold, shining, and extremely vibrant and can be exemplified perfectly by the yellow lemon overcoat and hat of the protagonist. At the same time, the courageous stylistic decision breaks completely with realism and compliments efficaciously the original source of the movie.
8 Ladyhawke
20th Century Fox
Co-produced and directed by Richard Donner, Ladyhawke stars Rutger Hauer as Etienne of Navarre, a former captain who has been cursed by the evil Bishop of Aquila (John Wood) for loving Isabeau of Anjou (Michelle Pfeiffer). With the help of a petty thief called the Mouse (Matthew Broderick), Etienne of Navarre will try to break the spell. Despite underperforming at the 1985 box office, Ladyhawke has since gained cult status, mostly thanks to its exquisite visuals.
The cinematography of Ladyhawke is known for its use of natural light and extensive aerial shots. At the same time, Storaro took advantage of the beautiful natural landscapes chosen as locations and captured their richness perfectly. Moreover, the subtle use of blues and purples, especially in the depiction of the sky, gives the movie the fantastic and fairytale atmosphere it deserves. Overall, the cinematography of Ladyhawke is a key factor in creating the film’s timeless appeal.
7 1900
Produzioni Europee Associati
Co-written and directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and featuring a majestic soundtrack by Ennio Morricone, 1900 takes place in rural Italy at the turn of the 20th century, and chronicles the lives of two friends from diverse social backgrounds: Alfredo Berlinghieri (Robert De Niro) is a wealthy landowner, while Olmo Dalcò (Gérard Depardieu) is a poor peasant. Spanning over the course of several decades, the movie details the troubled history of Italy between power, politics, and class struggle.
Utilizing impactful visuals and masterfully crafted lighting to create a visually stunning and emotionally charged experience, Storaro opts for a strong and vibrant color scheme, blending warm, deep tones with moody shades to heighten the film’s emotional impact and the constant class differences between the protagonists. At the same time, the cinematographer is amazing in his portrayal of the rugged Emilia-Romagna countryside. A lengthy cult that is worth every second.
6 A Rainy Day in New York
Gravier Productions
A Rainy Day in New York was written and directed by Woody Allen. It stars Timothée Chalamet as Gatsby Welles, a Yardley College student coming from a wealthy family, and Elle Fanning as Ashleigh Enright, a journalist major who has to interview renowned director Roland Pollard (Liev Schreiber). A Rainy Day in New York is a lighthearted comedy featuring a strong cast and an absolute charming New York atmosphere.
As always, Storaro opts for a cinematography that closely follows the development of the story and the change in moods of the characters. Above all, the dimmed colors help the movie convey that sense of nostalgia and charm that are pervasive in the screenplay. Moreover, the Italian cinematographer is amazing in his work with lights, especially in the opening scene. A Rainy Day in New York is a cheerful comedy for everyone.
5 The Bird with the Crystal Plumage
Seda Spettacoli S.p.A.
Written and directed by Dario Argento in his directorial debut and part of the Animal Trilogy along with The Cat o’ Nine Tails and Four Flies on Grey Velvet, The Bird with the Crystal Plumage represents a defining moment in the history of Italian thrillers. In fact, it helped popularize the giallo genre, which emerged in Italy in the 1960s thanks to directors like Mario Bava. Sam Dalmas (Tony Musante) is an American writer who gets entangled with a series of murders in Rome.
The Bird with the Crystal Plumage is characterized by ultra slick and stylish colors. The vibrant tone of red and yellow are perfectly balanced by a series of background colors that range from grey to white. At the same time, the sapient use of lighting is fundamental in pointing the audience’s attention to the screen composition’s details. Shiny and bold.
4 The Conformist
Mars Film Produzione
Written and directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and based on the homonymous novel by Alberto Moravia, The Conformist is a masterpiece of Italian cinema and is widely known for its flawless and expressionist cinematography. Jean-Louis Trintignant stars as Marcello Clerici, a man with a tormented past who joins the OVRA, the fascist secret police during Mussolini’s rule. Enriched by a deep psychological tone, The Conformist is pure cinema education.
Storaro is creative and imaginative in his pallette composition, using colors to elevate and convey the emotional development of the story. In a way, the cinematography speaks to the audience as much as the images and the dialogue, fusing perfectly with the themes portrayed in the movie. Simultaneously, the use of deep focus and almost noir-like shades gives The Conformist the tense atmosphere it necessitates. This 1970 masterpiece is a work of art and a milestone for every cinematographer.
3 Reds
Barclays Mercantile
Produced, co-written and directed by Warren Beatty, who also stars as the main protagonist, Reds follows the story of the journalist and socialist militant John Reed (Beatty). In the cast we can also find Diane Keaton as the suffragist and journalist Louise Bryant and Jack Nicholson in the role of the playwright Eugene O’Neill. This epic masterpiece was nominated for 12 Oscars at the 54th Academy Awards and won three, including Best Director and Best Cinematography.
Reds is beyond beautiful. The use of bright and bold colors, strong contrasts, and expertly crafted lighting all work together to create a visually captivating experience. Additionally, the film’s extended color palette, which features vibrant hues and deep, moody shades, effectively conveys the political and emotional turbulence of the era. Storaro’s cinematography is an essential component of the story’s depth and resonance. Masterful.
2 The Last Emperor
Hemdale Film Corporation
The Last Emperor is the lush masterpiece of Bernardo Bertolucci that depicts the life of the last Emperor of China Puyi, played magnificently by John Lone. Not to mention the other actors who portrayed the emperor in different part of his life: Wu Tao, Tijger Tsou, and Richard Vuu. The movie outperformed everybody at the 60th Academy Awards, bringing home the Oscars for all nine nominations. To this day, The Last Emperor remains a threat for the eyes and an undisputed masterpiece.
The cinematography of Storaro is narrative like few others and this movie shows exactly his expressionist vein: the choice of natural light inside the Forbidden City is fundamental in exposing its epic and opulent atmosphere, while the dim aesthetic of Puyi’s late life emphasizes the drastic change from his childhood. The red and gold tones will make your eyes shine. Legend.
1 Apocalypse Now
Omni Zoetrope
Co-written, produced, and directed by Francis Ford Coppola and partially based on the novella Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, Apocalypse Now features Martin Sheen as Benjamin Willard, a U.S. Army Captain tasked with the mission of finding and killing Colonel Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a renegade Special Forces officer who went insane. One of the greatest films of all time, Apocalypse Now analyzed the psychological effects of the Vietnam War like few other war movies did.
Storaro’s cinematography is expressionist and fully connected with the emotional and psychological development of the characters. The Italian artist opted for vivid colors to enchant the audience and let them take the journey along the river just like the protagonists. At the same time, warm colors like orange and yellow are used to emphasize the chaotic and destructive nature of the war, while the greens and blue signify contemplation and calm.
