Cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt Talks Taking Over ‘The Bling Ring’ for Harris Savides

In the headline of their October 12, 2012 obituary for Harris Savides, the New York Times went beyond a technical description of the late cinematographer. They opted for “Visual Poet,” a description that spans Savides’ career of fashion photography, music videos, and feature films. Over a 30-year career, Savides shot for David Fincher, Woody Allen, Noah Baumbach, Gus Van Sant, James Grey, Ridley Scott, and Mark Romanek, who recruited the photographer for Michael Jackson’s “Scream” and Madonna’s “Rain” videos.

Savides’ final work can currently be seen in “The Bling Ring,” directed by Sofia Coppola (read our review here), with whom he previously collaborated on “Somewhere.” During the making of the film, the cinematographer became sick, forcing him to take a leave of absence from the shoot. Knowing the visual identity had been concretely established, Savides put “Bling Ring” in the hands of his longtime camera operator Christopher Blauvelt (who has shot is own handful of films including “Meek’s Cutoff,” “Nobody Walks,” and the upcoming cinematic diptych “Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby”). Thanks

Below, I spoke to Blauvelt about the inspirations for “The Bling Ring,” working side-by-side with Savides for many years, and carrying his collaborator’s torch in both Coppola’s film and in his future work. You will also find a conversation with Coppola on what Savides brought to the film and the shots he designed.

Matt Patches: What were the visual cues you were presented with by Sofia? Were there graphic design, cinematic, or materialistic inspirations that Harris had considered?

Christopher Blauvelt: Sofia had a lot of visual references that we pulled from. Her and Harris had already thought about this project well before I came on board but I was able to bring in some of my own as well. We referenced a lot of contemporary photo books of kids of this age with their parties, outfits and behavior. We watched movies like “Foxes” (1980) for the camaraderie of the bunch as well as “Over the Edge” (1979) for the kids running around without care of consequence. It was also good to keep some of the older films that we appreciated in mind when we knew we were making a very contemporary story. And when it comes to understanding the fashion of today, there’s no one better than Sofia.

Having worked with Harris many times, how easy was it for you to take on DP duties for “Bling Ring” after he passed away? What were the challenges of matching his cinematography?

CB: Harris was still alive while we were making this film, but he was having to deal with some medical issues so he asked me to come on board to protect Sofia and the film alike. Harris was aware of this situation early on even before prep. He and Sofia are great friends and had been talking about this film for quite a while. So when I came into the picture there was already a good idea of the aesthetic. Harris and our D.I.T. [Digital Imaging Technician] Jeff Flohr had been working on digital looks for the past few years and it was time to see if these would work on a film. We went right into testing these ideas to see what would be the look of the “Bling Ring.” And through a lot of trial and error we found it.

Why do you think the two of you were on the same page creatively? Did you see shooting a movie — stylistically, philosophically — in the same way?

CB: I was always on the same page with Harris because the philosophy has always been that every project deserves its own look. So with ultimate respect for the script, the genre, and the ideas that Sofia had for it, we would research and test as much as possible to get the look of our film. We would always find a way to tailor make the look of every film so I have been a part of this process with Harris on many films.

How did “Bling Ring” vary from your own and Harris’ previous work? Did he have a consistent mantra for solving cinematographical problems?

CB: We wanted to stay very limber and keep the camera handheld as much as possible to make it feel more in the moments and minimize the need for cutting. This was to keep things feeling more authentic and living in reality. We were always choreographing the scenes to make them happen in one take if we could, and we wanted to keep the lighting in the same vein.

Where do you see Harris’ influence in your own work and on all of cinematography?

CB: Harris has influenced cinematography in a way that very few have, he was one of the best people ever to do what he did and a beautiful human being. I personally have him in my heart for everything I do and hear his voice when I’m not challenging myself.

He always said you got to be a little bit scared or you’re just phoning it in. That was Harris and that’s why he always got the most unique looks in films. I will miss him dearly.

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Tags: Christopher Blauvelt, Cinematographer, Harris Savides, Interview, Matt Patches, Sofia coppola, The Bling Ring

Trailer Showdown: Thor Makes ‘Bling Ring’ Put its Crown on the Ground

Friday cometh yet again, and bringeth with it a new Trailer Showdown. Each week we take the best and the worst trailers and rank them in that order, so that you can better plan your movie-going in the months to come.

This week is full up on documentaries, about the war on terror and the war on drugs, but there’s also new trailers for plenty of lighter fare including an amazing new trailer for Sofia Coppola’s “The Bling Ring”, a look at the new Judy Blume adaptation “Tiger Eyes” and of course, a first look at the new “Thor: The Dark World” trailer, which brings both the smack and lays it down.

And now, ranked from best to absolutely the worst, we present this week’s Trailer Showdown! Let us know in the comments if you agree or disagree with our rankings, though of course you’ll agree!

1.) ‘Thor: The Dark World’

Another installment in the “Thor” franchise brings Thor to a very dark place as he attempts to protect his love and defend his home, all of which leads him to make a deal with the devil: his evil brother Loki. Fans of the Marvel universe adore Loki and Thor battling it out, and at this point it feels as if Marvel can do no wrong when it comes to pitch-perfect super hero films. Big budgets, big talent, and decent script? Thor is definitely on our blockbuster fun list.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins
Release Date: Nov. 8, 2013

2.) ‘Bling Ring’

Though we won’t feature every single iteration of this trailer, it seemed worth sharing since this time around we get actual dialogue and a peek inside what the film will truly be like. Emma Watson’s accent is amazing, first of all. Second of all, the search for fame and the desire to be a celebrity are fascinating topics and this film could not be coming at a better time. Third of all, Sofia Coppola’s music choices and art direction are spot on as always. Release date cannot get here soon enough.
Starring: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson
Release Date: June 14, 2013

3.) ‘Tiger Eyes’

Based on a Judy Blume novel, a young girl finds solace in an unexpected friend after a death devastates her family. Judy Blume novels should all obviously be turned into movies, and this one looks to be well-written, touching and moving. In addition to all the mechanics of the film working well together, there is a subtlety that perfectly captures Blume’s delicate take on being a teenager.
Starring: Willa Holland, Amy Jo Johnson, Tatanka Means
Release Date: June 7, 2013

4.) ‘How to Make Money Selling Drugs’

As the title suggests, this documentary will instruct the viewer on how to make money selling drugs. Well, that’s a big tongue in cheek, but it certainly is a direct hit on the drug war in America, exploring the details of drug culture and the laws that we’ve constructed that seem to perpetuate and escalate drug incidents. Insightful and astounding at times, this is one well-done doc.
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Susan Sarandon, Eminem
Release Date: 2013

5.) ‘The Institute’

This documentary takes on a strange San Francisco phenomenon, unfortunately even though I watched the entire trailer I still have no idea what it is. And that is awesome. It’s a rare delight to stumble across something that makes no apologies of the fact that it won’t explain itself, and “The Institute” explores an organization that may be a cult, a game or something else entirely. Can’t wait for this one!
Starring: Jeff Hull, Gordon Mclaughlin, Arye Bender
Release Date: 2013

6.) ‘The Grandmaster’

This is the worst trailer for a movie that very well may be very quiet and beautiful. Instead it’s all flying fists and loud noises. Directed by Wong Kar Wai, the film explores the world of Ip Man, who trained Bruce Lee. Of course there has to be more to the story than that, Wong Kar Wai is one of the most renowned foreign directors, given more to subtlety and emotion than crazy action sequences. Only time will tell what this movie’s really like, but I’m betting it is fantastic.
Starring: Ziyi Zhang, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Chen Chang
Release Date: August 23, 2013

7.) ‘Dirty Wars’

A documentary that explores the dark underbelly of the current war on terror, exposing the idea that there are massive cover ups and a “secret war” happening right under our noses. The documentarian makes an elegant case, but war documentaries have become an increasingly hard sell for audiences, even though this one is straight out of Sundance. Films like this one can feel so overwhelming, especially if the audience is being presented with facts upon endless facts.
Starring: Nasser Al Aulaqi, Saleha Al Aulaqi, Muqbal Al Kazemi
Release Date: June 7, 2013

8.) ‘RIPD’

Reynolds and Bridges together as a pair of dead law enforcement officers? Very yes, and thank you. This movie looks like a cross between “Men in Black”, a vampire hunting flick and the awfulness of “Ghostrider”. Chock full of silliness and very expensive CGI, this trailer does its level best to throw every single fantastical scene at you, however, this also doesn’t seem like the kind of movie that can actually get spoiled. Dark and dense, this movie might be a bit like trying to eat an entire Devil’s Food cake in one sitting.
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon, Jeff Bridges
Release Date: July 19, 2013

9.) ‘Ratchet and Clank’

This cute trailer for an animated children’s film makes fun of the very concept of cool trailers, with one of the characters dancing around at the whim of the animators. Silly, yes, but self-aware, which is harder to find. Even though the movie doesn’t come out until 2015, (is that how far in advance we have to release trailers now?!) this gentle reminder is cute enough to pique interest, even if the animation style is not very advanced.
Release Date: 2015

10.) ‘Hatchet III’

The Worst of the Week: A deranged woman walks into a police station and starts spouting off about “killing him,” which leads to one of the bloodiest battles in horror history as dozens of cops take on a mysterious killing force. Part farce, part out of control horror bloodbath, this third installment in the “Hatchet” series looks to be equal parts disgusting and nauseating. Torture porn at its finest.
Starring: Danielle Harris, Kane Hodder, Zach Galligan
Release Date: June 14, 2013

Come back next week for more rankings!

Categories: Columns, Trailer Roundup

Tags: Bling Ring, Sofia coppola, The Grandmasters, Thor: The Dark World, Trailer showdown

Trailer Showdown 3/15: ‘The Bling Ring’ is the Best Trailer of the Week

It’s Friday morning, which means it’s time for Trailer Showdown! Once again, we rank the week’s new trailers from best to worst to make sure you’re always up on the latest awesome movies, months ahead of release!

This week sees the release of two phenomenal new trailers for the highly anticipated Sofia Coppola film based on a true story of teenage crime lords, “The Bling Ring” as well as the hot as hell trailer for the quirky and outlandish superhero flick “Kick-Ass 2.” There’s a hefty helping of trailers beside that as well, so take a good look at our offerings.

Did we get the rankings right? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

1.) ‘The Bling Ring’

Best of the Week: Sofia Coppola is back with this amazingly perfect ripped from the headlines, based on a true story of a group of teens who used the Internet to track when celebs were home, break into their houses and steal their expensive goods. A fantastic trailer as far as teasers go, this movie skyrockets up to the top of the must-see list. Emma Watson as a bad girl is all right with us too!
Starring: Emma Watson, Leslie Mann, Taissa Farmiga
Release Date: June 14, 2013

2.) ‘Kick-Ass 2'

NSFW: The rip-roaring sequel to one of the darkest super hero movies of the decade is finally here! The gang’s all back in action, Hit Girl and Kick Ass return to battle Red Mist, along with new allies and villains. Whether or not you liked the original, it’s clear they’ve upped the ante in every way for round two.
Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Release Date: Aug. 16, 2013

3.) ‘To the Wonder’

We have already featured this Terrence Malick directed film in a previous report, but that doesn’t stop us from salivating over this new trailer filled with lush images, astonishingly seductive soundscapes and the promise of absolute beauty radiating from every element. There’s few things in life worth looking forward to as much as a Malick-directed film that meditates on the concept of romantic love.
Starring: Ben Affleck, Olga Kurylenko, Javier Bardem
Release Date: April 12, 2013

4.) ‘Electrick Children’

A young Mormon girl believes herself to be pregnant after listening to a cassette tape of rock music, and sets out to discover her place in the world. Part coming of age story and part wild shenanigans, this one looks to be wildly original and truly promising.
Starring: Julia Garner, Rory Culkin, Liam Aiken
Release Date: March, 2013

5.) ‘Milius’

This documentary explores the world of writer and director John Milius, who brought us some of the greatest movies of the last century. Interviews with famous friends such as George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Arnold Schwarzenegger and many more populate this dynamic look at a rough ridin’ wild man who redefined the movies.
Starring: John Milius, Peter Bart, Bill Cody
Release Date: March 9, 2013

6.) ‘Tomorrow You’re Gone’

A terrifying revenge flick with a hot dame, a serious case of vengeance and a very formidable foe makes this one to watch. While the specifics of this one seem vaguely forgettable, we’re willing to bet that Dafoe makes it more than worth your while.
Starring: Stephen Dorff, Michelle Monaghan, Willem Dafoe
Release Date: 2013

7.) ‘Penthouse North’

In this dramatic thriller, a blind woman’s idyllic life is targeted by a killer and a power hungry cop, seeking to destroy her. With elements of “Wait Until Dark” throughout, this one looks to be rather spooky and terrifying.
Starring: Michelle Monaghan, Michael Keaton, Barry Sloane
Release Date: 2013

8.) ‘Aroused’

In this documentary, some of the biggest porn stars in the business talk about their work, from the highs and lows of intimacy to the ups and downs of the job. Looks to be a fascinating glance into a world that is filled with endless speculation and assumption.
Starring: Belladonna, Kayden Kross, Lisa Ann
Release Date: Feb. 20, 2013

9.) ‘Imaginaerium’

Confusing, and large scale, this imaginative and bizarre film follows an old man who dreams of being young again, trapped within the confines of his own mind. Could be good, but looks like it might lose too many people along the way.
Starring: Marianne Farley, Quinn Lord, Francis X. McCarthy
Release Date: 2013

10.) ‘Leonie’

A drama that follows a strong young woman and her love of a Japanese man, with whom she has a child. When she follows him to Japan only to be disappointed, she pours her life into her son and his career as a sculptor. Moving and eloquent, this film looks like a wonderful character piece for Emily Mortimer, and a look at the difficulties faced by women then and now.
Starring: Emily Mortimer, Kazuko Yoshiyuki, Shidô Nakamura
Release Date: 2013

11.) ‘The Story of Luke’

A young autistic man attempts to find a normal life, a girlfriend and a job amidst the difficulties of dealing with his own mind. This could be an absolutely great look at the difficulties and specifics of autism, and the lighter side of dealing with heartache. Or it could be terrible, there’s no way of knowing at this point. Here’s hoping for the best!
Starring: Cary Elwes, Seth Green, Al Sapienza
Release Date: 2013

12.) ‘Generation Um…’

Three wild folks explored New York City and their connection to one another in this vivacious and exploratory film. Let’s see if Keanu Reeves can hold up his end of a film, especially one requiring so much emotion.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Adelaide Clemens, Daniel Sunjata
Release Date: May 28, 2013

13.) ‘Witching & Bitching’

I have no Earthly idea what this movie could even be about, but it looks like one heck of a wild ride, featuring street performers, witches, spells and more? Dark and mysterious!
Starring: Javier Botet, Mario Casas, Carmen Maura
Release Date: 2013

Categories: Columns, Trailer Roundup

Tags: Aroused, Electrick Children, Kick-Ass 2, Milius, Penthouse North, The Bling Ring, To The Wonder, Trailer showdown, Trailers