Would you walk onto a stage in front of 500 people without knowing exactly what you want to say? Probably not. Yet, many filmmakers do something similar when they step onto set without a clear vision for their images. In this episode of Visium, we dive into what makes images in film truly work—not just as pretty pictures, but as powerful storytelling tools.
We start with legendary photographer Irving Penn’s approach to imagery: Every image has a purpose. Before picking up a camera, filmmakers need to ask—what is this image meant to do? From there, we break down the difference between a technical image and an effective one, and why even the most stunning shot won’t save a movie if it doesn’t serve the story.
We also tackle a big question in filmmaking: How much should a director control what the audience understands? Some filmmakers embrace ambiguity, but movies aren’t museums—viewers don’t arrive with a guidebook. Using 2001: A Space Odyssey and Pulp Fiction as examples, we explore how filmmakers shape expectations and guide audiences through their stories.
Finally, we define what a visual story really is: a journey that expresses a character’s transformation and reflects an idea. From Room to Inception, we break down how great movies bring meaning to their images.
If you’ve ever wondered how to create images that resonate, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let’s explore the language of cinematography together!
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.