Cinematography is a crucial aspect of the filmmaking process, as it involves the art of capturing the visuals in a way that complements and enhances the storytelling, while also making the movie visually pleasing to viewers.
This is not always easy to achieve, and unfortunately, many movies fall short in this area.
In this article, we will delve into the topic of the worst cinematography movies, specifically focusing on the ten most recent films that have failed to impress in this regard.
We will provide some explanations behind the flaws in their cinematography and discuss how it affected the overall movie-viewing experience.
By doing so, we hope to clarify some of the reasons why these movies were not successful in achieving their visual goals.
Cats (2019)
The well-known musical Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber has been adapted. But the film was a trainwreck right off the bat, especially in terms of cinematography.
The characters appeared strange and unattractive due to the use of CGI. Additionally, the camera work and lighting were erratic, making for a visually unpleasant experience.
Artemis Fowl (2020)
A factor in the sci-fi fantasy film Artemis Fowl's failure to engage viewers was its poor cinematography.
The action portions in the film were shot in a way that was challenging to follow, and the camera angles sometimes confused the viewer.
As a result, there was a lack of interest in and absorption in the narrative.
The Lone Ranger (2013)
A popular TV series was the inspiration for the action-adventure movie The Lone Ranger.
However, one factor in its failure was the cinematography. The movie appeared phony and unconvincing due to the usage of post-production effects.
Additionally, the inconsistent lighting made the visuals unappealing.
After Earth (2013)
Will Smith and his son Jaden Smith star in the science fiction film After Earth. The film's poor cinematography rendered it visually unpleasant.
It was frequently impossible to see what was on the screen due to the lighting, which was frequently excessively dim.
The usage of CGI, which made the action sequences appear artificial and unrealistic, obviously did not help.
The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)
The Last Thing He Wanted is a political thriller that fell flat with viewers, and one reason for this is the film's poor cinematography.
With erratic camera work and unattractive lighting, the movie was filmed in a way that made it seem disconnected and incomprehensible.
As a result, there was a lack of interest in the narrative and a feeling of distance from the characters.
Fantasy Island (2020)
One of the reasons Fantasy Island, a horror film, fell short of expectations was the cinematography.
The film was filmed with unattractive camera angles and subpar lighting, which gave the impression that it was cheap and unconvincing.
As a result, the suspense and atmosphere that are necessary for a great horror film were lacking.
Assassin's Creed (2016)
Assassin's Creed is an adaptation of the popular video game series, but its cinematography was one of the reasons it failed to impress audiences.
The movie was shot in a way that made it feel dull and uninteresting, with uninspired camera angles and lackluster lighting.
The use of post-production effects also made the visuals feel artificial and unconvincing.
Suicide Squad (2016)
The DC Comics movie Suicide Squad was highly anticipated, yet the cinematography was a huge letdown.
It was challenging to follow the action sequences because of the jagged and illogical appearance that color correction and post-production techniques created.
The lighting and camera angles were constantly changing, which created a disorienting visual experience.
Fantastic Four (2015)
Fantastic Four is a reboot of Marvel's superhero team. However, the movie failed to impress audiences, especially in terms of its cinematography.
The colors were dull and washed out, making the visuals unappealing. The lighting was inconsistent, making it hard to focus on the action on the screen.
The Mummy (2017)
In addition to other issues, The Mummy, a remake of the 1999 classic, had subpar cinematography.
The film was filmed with boring camera angles and subpar lighting, which gave the impression that it was lifeless and flat.
The usage of CGI also contributed to the artificial and unconvincing vibe of the action scenes.
Wrapping Up!
Overall, the movies mentioned earlier can be classified as some of the worst-made films in recent times.
Although these films were released, they did not manage to capture the audiences' attention due to their lack of visual appeal and artistic value.
However, it is worth noting that a movie's success depends on several factors, including the plot, acting, and direction, among others, and while cinematography is an essential component, it is only one of many contributing factors.
Nonetheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that cinematography still plays a crucial role in making a film and should not be underestimated or ignored.
In other words, the aforementioned movies can be considered the worst-made ones in recent years, as they failed to captivate the audience due to their inadequate artistic quality and visual appeal.
However, it is essential to note that a movie's success depends on various elements, including plot, acting, direction, and cinematography.
Dylan Jobe
FAQ's
What is cinematography, and why is it important in movies?
Cinematography is the art of capturing motion pictures on camera. It includes various elements such as camera angles, lighting, composition, and movement. Cinematography is essential in movies as it helps bring the story to life on the screen, making it visually appealing and enhancing the storytelling.
How does poor cinematography affect a movie?
Poor cinematography can negatively impact a movie in several ways. It can make the visuals unappealing, the action sequences hard to follow, and the story unengaging. It can also make the movie feel artificial and unconvincing.
Can a movie succeed despite poor cinematography?
Yes, a movie can still succeed despite poor cinematography. A movie's success depends on various other factors such as writing, acting, and direction. However, cinematography is an essential part of filmmaking, and a poorly shot movie can detract from the overall experience.
Why do some movies have poor cinematography?
Some movies may have poor cinematography due to various reasons, such as budget constraints, time constraints, inexperienced or unskilled crew, or creative differences. It can also be a result of a lack of attention to detail or planning during the filming process.
