This past Friday, Netflix released one of its most anticipated films of the year, Malcolm and Marie, starring Zendaya and John David Washington. Popularly shot during quarantine with a small crew of 12 people, many critics and viewers were excited to see the first of many pieces to come out of this pandemic that will kickstart, what many hope will be, our very own Renaissance-type of creative awakening.
Although I could delve into the rabbit hole of debate and opinions circulating the film’s writing, plot, social commentary, etc., I wanted to highlight the cinematography of this film and its relation to what we are learning in class. Overall, Malcolm and Marie is a visual experience—some might say it is one of the movie’s most redeeming qualities. Incorporating balance at each breath, every single shot in the film communicates its own story, to the point where this film could’ve very well have been marketed as a visual album/artwork rather than a movie.
Shot in Black and White, this film-noir-esque piece manipulates the theory of contrasts throughout the story in order to direct the viewer’s focus primarily on the characters (with no outstanding distractions).This paired perfectly with Levinson’s use of space to convey loneliness (from the couple’s constant misunderstanding each other) and his brilliant use of mirrors and reflection that ensured you didn’t miss a beat or an emotion.
If for nothing else, I recommend anyone interested in design and/or art take a look at this movie, because it could be a great source of inspiration.
