This article delves into the work of Newton Thomas Sigel on the film Bohemian Rhapsody, highlighting his meticulous approach to cinematography and the challenges faced during production.
When the filmmaking process reaches the hands of the director of photography, it's time to materialize the idea that began with the screenwriters, the director, and the casting production team.
At this stage, photography, alongside art direction, costumes, and makeup, is responsible for transforming the script into images and bringing it to life.
In my first column, I'd like to highlight a cinematographer I greatly admire who has a film currently in theaters that is enjoying great success.
Bohemian Rhapsody | Official Trailer | HD Subtitled
Newton Thomas Sigel, the cinematographer for the biopic of Freddie Mercury, is a veteran of many works, perhaps best known for his work on the X-Men series. Personally, I have great admiration for three other works where his style is evident: The Usual Suspects (1995), Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002), and Drive (2011).
Sigel is extremely meticulous with his framing compositions, always seeking symmetry and balance, even when the camera is moving. He aims to maintain this balance, enhancing the three-dimensionality he achieves through the contrast of light and shadows in a harmonious and smooth manner. He also carefully balances the colors that have been studied to convey the drama and period of the film.
Bohemian Rhapsody was a significant challenge. The beginning and end of the film take place at the most important concert Queen participated in: Live Aid. Live Aid was a set of two concerts held in two countries, the United States and England, broadcast to over a billion people worldwide. Queen's performance took place at Wembley Stadium, and for the film, a full-sized stage was recreated in another city, with the presence of eight hundred extras who were digitally replicated for the film. Sigel filmed the entire show, studying all the camera angles from the TV broadcast. The film features four songs from this performance. If you're curious, check out the link to the original performance and make your comparisons.
Queen Perform Live at Live Aid on 13 July 1985 [Original]
The film's opening is also breathtaking, with a series of movements, close-ups, and details that recreate the backstage atmosphere of the Live Aid performance. A subjective camera follows Mercury as he heads to the stage.
The color treatment is carefully designed to set the film's mood for important moments of the band, the 1970s and 1980s, as well as recording environments and various tour moments, from small clubs and concert halls to TV shows and stadium concerts. This style also extends to the more intimate scenes, depicting Freddie Mercury's moments of camaraderie or solitude.
Despite the tumultuous filming environment, changes in the lead actor, and the director during the final stages of filming, the movie achieved great success. Sigel's work remains unscathed in this project, leaving another important mark.
Author:
Raul de Goes - Director of Photography
Talking about images and those who create them.
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