Interstellar Cinematography Essay

4.1. Interstellar’s cinematography

Interstellar’s strength is not predominantly the framing or the camera angles. Of course there is solid camera work that leaves nothing to be desired. When Cooper and his crew are flying through space the audience really gets the impression of solitude and isolation. This is also shown when we see the ship in comparison to the black hole. But what makes this film really special is how Nolan creates transitions between different scenes. Really impressive is how he connects the different locations and times. Often the video messages Cooper and the other receive are used to cut between them and Murphy. In the end of the film Nolan links time and space when Cooper sends messages to his daughter by using an alien

There is no camera angle that really confuses the audience; the camera work is rather traditional. However that does not mean that it is not impressive. At the beginning of the film Cooper, Donald, and his children are sitting at the breakfast table. As Cooper is about to leave Donald reminds him that he has to visit today’s parent-teacher conference. A cut shows his children sitting in the car. We see Cooper and Donald leaving the house. In this scene the shaky camera technique is used; the camera seems to be not stabilized and hold in one hand. Although the camera shakes only slightly it creates a more dynamic atmosphere. Since Cooper did not know about the conference he has to drive to school spontaneously. The shaky camera shows Cooper’s spontaneity and creates immersion and dynamic (cf. Bordwell). That technique is used again when Cooper and Dr. Mann are fighting against one another. When Cooper pins down Dr. Mann he cracks Cooper’s helmet. Consequently Cooper’s space suit loses oxygen. He falls to the ground and begins to pant and cough heavily. This dramatic sequence is supported by the shaky camera. Cooper begins to crawl wildly on the ground while he presses his hand against his helmet. Also the camera moves wildly like Cooper does. He feels dizzy and disorientated due to the loss of oxygen. This feeling is transmitted to the audience by the shaky camera; it enhances the