The Cinematography Podcast Episode 277: Giovanni Ribisi



In the second part of our interview with Strange Darling cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi, he delves into his meticulous approach to testing, collaboration with director JT Mollner, and the creative muscles he uses for both acting and cinematography.



Strange Darling is a puzzle box of a movie, with seven different chapters mixed up to tell the story. It became the actors' playground, where they could explore the thriller's themes and characters, translating their ideas into tangible visual elements. Giovanni's approach to the cinematography was guided by a desire to create a simple yet elegant aesthetic, emphasizing shape, lighting, camera movement and composition.



Together, Giovanni and JT Mollner found the film's visual style. They tested several different film stocks and explored various lighting setups and color palettes using a dummy head as a stand in. “(Testing on film) doesn't need to be expensive-you could do tests on 16 millimeter and answer questions that you have as part of the creative process,” he says. Giovanni also used an older ARRI Alexa digital camera for trying out some lenses before testing them on film.



Giovanni finds that cinematography uses some of the same processes as acting: imagination, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. Cinematography, like acting, requires preparing and practice. “You develop instincts to answer and solve problems and challenges,” he says. “It becomes an instinctual thing to frame the shot, for it to fall in line with what you prepped for. As an actor, you see it in the outcome of your work, attention, and focus.” When comparing acting to cinematography, Giovanni finds acting much more difficult. “It never ends up being what you're trying to do because it's a hard thing.You watch it the next day and you're like, oh my God, I really got into self-expression there... So much of acting is about humiliation, trying not to embarrass yourself. I always find that it takes a lack of self-consciousness. If you're too self-conscious, you just get up in your head and you can't do it.”



About eight years ago, Giovanni was invited by cinematographer-turned director Reed Murano to be part of a panel at CameraImage. It provided valuable opportunities to connect with other professionals such as Sal Totino, Matty Libatique and Ellen Kuras. He also admires Robbie Ryan's work on Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness.



Strange Darling is currently in theaters.



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