In cinema, the subject of style frequently takes the spotlight. Filmmakers, critics, and audiences engage in ongoing debates regarding the significance of style and its role in cinematic storytelling. Sidney Lumet, a highly respected filmmaker, contributed his viewpoint on this matter through his essay. This article aims to delve deeper into Lumet’s perspective on the pivotal role of style in filmmaking and elucidate his insights on how style should be intricately woven into the narrative fabric of a film.
The Role of Style in Filmmaking
Sidney Lumet’s perspective on the role of style in filmmaking is an essential starting point. He addresses a crucial concern – the disconnection between style and content that some critics propagate. Lumet underlines the concept that form should be subservient to function in cinema. In simpler terms, the visual and auditory elements employed in a film should align seamlessly with the story’s thematic and emotional essence. To Lumet, style is not a superficial veneer detached from the narrative’s core; rather, it is an indispensable component of the storytelling process.
The Essence of Storytelling
At the crux of Lumet’s argument lies the assertion that filmmaking essentially revolves around telling a compelling story. He categorizes movies into different tiers based on their capacity to convey emotions, ideas, and insights:
- – Some films excel at narrating a story that elicits emotional responses from the audience.
- – Others augment the narrative with intellectual layers, prompting viewers to ponder deeper themes.
- – A select few traverse further by delving into the realm of self-discovery and the exploration of intricate human relationships.
According to Lumet, the manner in which a story is narrated should be intrinsically linked with the essence of that story. In essence, style should function as a vehicle to communicate the story’s intended emotional and thematic impact effectively.
Style as the Mode of Storytelling
Lumet firmly posits that style essentially serves as the mode of storytelling in cinema. After determining the core thematic focus of a film, the next most crucial decision a filmmaker makes pertains to how that story will be visually and aurally conveyed. This decision profoundly influences every facet of a film’s production, including:
- – Cinematography, encompassing choices regarding camera angles, lenses, and lighting.
- – Set design and decor, which dictate the visual environment that characters inhabit.
- – Editing, responsible for the pacing and sequencing of scenes.
- – Music and sound, contributing to the emotional resonance of a film.
It is about crafting a visual and auditory language that effectively communicates the nuances of the narrative. In Lumet’s view, style should never be an afterthought, but a deliberate and conscious choice aimed at enriching the emotional and thematic impact of the story.
Critics’ Oversimplification of Style
Lumet does not mince words when addressing the tendency of some film critics to oversimplify style by associating it with easily recognizable elements, such as the utilization of long lenses or the abandonment of realism. He contends that true stylists transcend superficial aesthetics and instead establish an organic connection between style and the narrative material they are working with. The focus of certain critics on readily identifiable stylistic features often leads to a misinterpretation of a film’s true depth and intent. Lumet vehemently emphasizes that style should serve the unique requirements of the story rather than conform to superficial conventions.
Auteur Theory and Consistency
In addressing the auteur theory, Lumet acknowledges that specific directors exhibit a recognizable style that permeates all their works. However, he emphatically stresses that this consistency emerges because these directors inherently create the same type of film repeatedly. He cites the example of Alfred Hitchcock, pointing out that Hitchcock’s stylistic choices align with the genre he consistently worked in. This reinforces Lumet’s stance that style should be subservient to the story’s purpose. In essence, style should be viewed as a tool at the director’s disposal, a means to effectively convey the narrative, rather than an imposition of the director’s personal signature style.
The Influence of Collaborators
Lumet underscores the significance of collaborators in shaping a film’s style. He delves into the impact of cinematographers, production designers, and composers, emphasizing the importance of selecting individuals whose creative vision aligns with the story’s specific requirements. Lumet’s extensive experience in collaborating with a diverse array of professionals underscores the dynamic nature of style in filmmaking. A filmmaker’s choice of collaborators significantly influences the visual and auditory elements that contribute to a film’s unique style. The collaborative process is an intricate dance, where each artist’s input shapes the overall artistic vision.
The Four Primary Storytelling Forms
Lumet categorizes storytelling into four primary forms: tragedy, drama, comedy, and farce. He acknowledges that these storytelling forms can often overlap and evolve within a single film, and it is the director’s responsibility to determine the predominant style that best aligns with the narrative. This decision serves as the guiding force for the overall stylization of the film. In essence, Lumet believes that a film’s style should harmonize with its thematic and emotional trajectory. Whether the film leans towards tragic drama or uproarious comedy, the chosen style should complement and amplify the storytelling experience, enhancing the audience’s connection to the narrative.
Increased Stylization and Profound Truth
Lumet provides vivid illustrations of how, as a filmmaker refines their choices and delves deeper into the theme, the production naturally becomes more stylized. He contends that increased stylization can uncover a more profound truth within the narrative. He cites Carl Dreyer’s “The Passion of Joan of Arc” as a prime example where a limited visual language resulted in a universal emotional impact. This underscores the concept that style should not merely serve as decorative dressing but as a vehicle for conveying deeper truths and emotions. The degree of stylization should be proportionate to the narrative’s depth and complexity.
Style as a Means to Convey Universality
Lumet challenges the common misconception that achieving universality in storytelling equates to generalization. He posits that style should strive to convey universality through specificity. He shares an anecdote about a studio executive who wanted to make a story more “universal” by removing Jewish cultural elements. Lumet’s response to this proposition underscores the importance of authenticity and specificity in storytelling. In other words, style should never dilute or homogenize the unique cultural, thematic, or emotional elements of a story. Instead, it should enhance and magnify them, making them accessible and resonant to a broader audience.
Three Ways to Determine Style
Lumet elucidates three distinct approaches to determining a film’s style. Firstly, style may emerge through a process of elimination, where the filmmaker systematically rules out stylistic choices that do not harmonize with the story’s essence. Secondly, style may become apparent after the initial script reading, guided by the inherent tone and themes of the narrative. Finally, style may evolve through ongoing discussions with collaborators, gradually presenting itself as the most fitting means of storytelling. This illuminates the dynamic and iterative nature of style, which can be discovered through a blend of analytical contemplation and creative exploration.
Conclusion
In summary, Sidney Lumet’s profound insights into filmmaking style offer an invaluable perspective on the intricate relationship between style and storytelling. He passionately underscores the imperative of aligning style with the essence of the narrative, recognizing the influential role of collaborators, and embracing the dynamic and adaptive nature of style choices. In Lumet’s perspective, style is not a superficial embellishment but an integral element that should resonate with the heart of the story. It should be a deliberate, conscious, and finely tuned instrument that enhances the emotional and thematic impact of the narrative, thereby allowing the audience to connect with the story on a profound and lasting level.
