Cinematography in "Dr. Strangelove"

First of all, I think it is relevant to define the term cinematography and the things it involves. Cinematography, a word that comes from the Greek: "Kinesis", which means movement and "grapho", to record. Its discipline involves the lighting and camera movements when recording movies for the cinema.

From the movie "Dr. Strangelove "I would like to chose the scene in which Dr. Strangelove talked to the audience about a new human specie. The movement and used of the camera made the scene very interesting. First, it captures the viewer''s attention as the camera got very close to Dr. Strangelove. The zoom on his face invited us to see every detail on his face, including his expressions. Right after, the camera turned to a different point, capturing him from a low angle position. This low angle position was very interesting and mysterious at the same time. I think cinematography features were very useful at this point because the purpose of the director of cinematography was to make Dr. Strangelove the center of attention during that moment, which makes the viewers pay attention to his speech. Therefore, his goal was achieved. During this low angle shot, Dr. Strangelove was talking to the other characters and all the attention, the camera and lighting was concentrated in him and his words. The brilliant lights were illuminating his face while the background had minimum light. I should specify that the lighting during this scene was artificial. So, once again I could say cinematography made this scene unique.

I would like to say that concerning to the cinematographic properties of shot, which involves the film stock, this movie was black and white. It makes more real the fact that it was criticizing the cold war fears, which took place a long time ago. So, it contributes to make
"Dr. Strangelove" look as if it was created during that time when the cold war was taking place.