Who is one of your favorite directors?
Darren Aronofsky
Notes About What Makes Their Style Unique
Aronofsky retells classic stories in new and beautiful ways. mother! (2017) is a retelling of Genesis, and the story of mankind. I believe that many of his films follow the typical Icarus arc as well, with tales of people who push the limits of humanity and passion which eventually burns them (Black Swan, The Wrestler). He doesn’t specialize in any genre, but has mastered intense psychological themes that make for movies that physically change you after you watch them.
It is a rare and invaluable talent to be able to create a scene, a story, that makes the viewer feel they are in the body and minds of the characters. Aronofsky uses the basic elements of film such as cinematography and sound to make fiction come to life. After watching his work, I often feel strange in my own reality and mundane life because I become so immersed in the worlds that he has built.
Aronofsky uses Production Design and sets to reflect the mindset of the characters. He gives us something to look at while not distracting from the substance of what is going on.
Aronofsky uses two main shot patterns: center frames, and close ups. Simple, symmetric shots convey a clear purpose for a character, putting their goal right in front of them. In Requiem for a Dream, extreme closeups create a sense of discomfort for the viewer, overwhelming our emotions which relates us to the horror of addiction that the character is experiencing.
Editing is what puts a film together, and Aronofsky’s style sets him apart. He uses short cut montages which are a compilation of short cut sounds and short cut images. This technique takes a different approach to making us understand what the character is going through, as it is a shock to our senses.
Sound is the last sense that puts us into the psyche of the protagonist. When a character is descending into madness, we can hear the voices or chaos that echos in their mind.
Aronofsky focuses on characters, and creates an environment for empathy unlike any film I’ve ever watched. I am inspired whenever I watch his films and hope to write/create something as immersive one day.