The Sinner: A Cinematic Journey Through Culture and History
Ryan Coogler’s latest film, The Sinner, brings audiences an intriguing blend of culture, music, and supernatural elements set against the backdrop of 1930s Mississippi. This film, featuring a dual role by Michael B. Jordan and rich blues music, is currently captivating theatergoers.
A Powerful Script and Dynamic Vision
Cinematographer Durald Alcapaw vividly recalls receiving the script from Coogler just before starting another filming project in January 2024. “I was blown away,” Alcapaw shared with Variety, expressing her initial surprise at the film’s historical context and the casting of Jordan as twins.
Alcapaw’s enthusiastic feedback on the script led to her signing on for the project, despite the absence of specific details on Coogler’s chosen filming techniques. Early discussions indicated a potential shift to shooting in 16mm film, but following a conversation about format options, Alcapaw and Coogler agreed to explore possibilities beyond traditional methods.
Technological Exploration and Artistic Choices
To achieve the film’s unique visual style, Alcapaw and the team at Fotokem conducted multiple test shoots with various film frames, ultimately influenced by the grandeur seen in Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. The cinematographer mentioned, “Ryan wanted a wider landscape photograph.” Their testing confirmed that IMAX was the right choice for the film.
One of the production’s highlights lies in a powerful sequence where a character named Sammy, played by Miles Katon, captivates the audience with music, drawing together dancers and musicians in what Alcapaw describes as a “surreal montage.” This scene, marked by intricate preparations and visual effects coordination, represents a pivotal moment of joy and cultural connection.
Capturing the Essence of Performance
Alcapaw outlined the challenges of filming scenes with Michael B. Jordan as identical twins—strong emphasis was placed on realism. “We aimed to capture everything the camera could handle in a split-screen,” she noted, acknowledging the pressure on Jordan to deliver multiple takes efficiently.
Fellow cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, known for his work on Oppenheimer, provided guidance on navigating the complexities of shooting in 70mm. Alcapaw reported that Van Hoytema urged her not to be hindered by the format, suggesting, “Drive like you stole it.” Through this lens, Alcapaw found freedom in utilizing a variety of camera movements to enhance storytelling.
A Commitment to Authenticity
The film’s set design, led by production designer Hannah Beachler, further contributed to an authentic atmosphere. Alcapaw explained that a realistic environment helps actors immerse themselves in their roles, significantly enhancing their performances.
Lighting was another crucial component in illustrating the film’s emotional landscape. Alcapaw employed overhead lighting techniques to provide flexibility for camera movement, ensuring visuals remained striking while retaining an authentic look and feel.
Emotional Resonance and Musical Fusion
Reflecting on the emotional weight of the musical scenes, Alcapaw expressed pride in capturing the resilience and spirit of the characters, noting, “People are still there, they are strong, they are dancing and singing.” This sense of continuity connects the film’s narrative to a broader historical context.
With its intricate layers of storytelling and historical richness, The Sinner stands out as a remarkable cinematic achievement, underscoring both personal and collective journeys through the art of film.