Greta Gerwig’s Narnia to Be Shot on Film, Says Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey
Following the recent news that Greta Gerwig’s Narnia film will not be shot using the IMAX 70mm film camera, a recently surfaced podcast interview with Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey from back in February has revealed that he will instead be shooting the movie on 35mm VistaVision – a film-based format which was recently revived by 2024’s ‘The Brutalist’, which won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography this year.
I’m very interested in the return to celluloid, which, you know, I’m about to shoot this film on VistaVision and 35 with Greta. And I would like to… I think the blend of digital and film, I mean, I’m talking about digital created photography, not AI, but like in our control, it is very exciting.
Seamus McGarvey
He also revealed that unlike previous films, he was given a full six months of preparation time to work on Narnia and that he has been using this time to work closely with the other heads of department to develop the overall visual language of the film:
The lovely thing about the prep that I’ve got on this film that I’m about to embark on Narnia with Greta Gerwig. And the lovely thing is that I’m at a very early stage. I’ve got six months of prep, which I’ve never had before. And it’s a very intricate film, but it’s precisely that visual cohesiveness and sharing between all the departments, all our ideas, so that eventually they’re kind of coming together. And I think that will make it a visually very strong film because we’re constantly bouncing off each other.
He also spoke at length about his overall approach to cinematography in general:
Cinematography is only the portal through which everybody else’s work comes through. That little lens, and that’s the beauty of it. And that’s actors, directors, production designers, costume, makeup. Everybody’s work goes through that little hole. And cinematography is only the responsibility to capture it beautifully alongside all our other collaborators. It’s as simple as that.
McGarvey has also spoken in previous interviews about how he likes to use color as a storytelling device, in particular by using striking contrast and the juxtaposition of different colors within a shot, to evoke different emotions and meanings in the viewer.
Take a look below at some of the shots and scenes from some of McGarvey’s work, and lets us know your thoughts in the comments, or on the forum.
This visual pallet can really enhance the film for Magician Nephew, and based on him and other collaborators creating this “language” could really allow the film to shine through.
Currently on IMDB beside casting list people involved in the production including: Nina Gold and Francine Maisler (casting), James Chinlund (production designer), Jayne Hall (Greensman), Dermot Power (concept artist), Beth Elen Roberts (props concept artist), Steven Ditcher (Senior Lidar and Photogrammetry Technician), Kris Wright (VFX Director), Yvan Lucas (colorist), and Oliver Gordon (production assistant).
Awesome news! They are definitely trying to make this a big gotta-see-it-on-the-big-screen event. And VistaVision? Love the nostalgic approach.
This is awesome! This visual part of the movie is sounding better and better! Shooting on film is more authentic, to me.
From what I can tell from the examples, his style is really cool! What I especially noticed was that the pictures of The Greatest Showman all had a boy and a girl in it, like Digory and Polly!
Ooh, I’m really liking these pictures I’m seeing! I think this movie is going to look great
Man, the technical side of this film is shaping up so excellently. I’m still nervous about potential casting and story choices. This could be an amazing film. To what extent it will reflect its source, we’ll see. But the production team is stellar.
I generally like the lighting better on film over digital when it comes to movies. Although digital HD has been an improvement over the film quality in which they used to film tv shows.
Best news so far, it has the potential to bring out Narnia’s magic!
I know almost nothing about VistaVision or the film vs. digital debate, but Dawn Treader was certainly Walden Media’s worst-looking film. It looked quite fake compared to LWW and PC, which were shot on film.
Let’s go! That is going to look absolutely gorgeous.
The crispness and the texture of the visuals, combined with the contrast between foreground and background will really add some much needed grit and realism. I had always thought that if I had the choice I’d definitely want it to be shot on film.
More of this type of news!
Can we please sign a petition or SOMETHING to get Greta and NETFLIX as far away from Narnia as possible!!!!!! They are going to taint Lewis’s legacy, twist and cheapen the Christian elements and just make it an unpleasant nightmare for us ALL