Team Deakins TURNING THE TABLES - 'TRUE GRIT' - with David Mullen
Jun 25, 2025
David Mullen, acclaimed cinematographer known for his work on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and States of Tara, dives deep into the artistry behind 'True Grit'. He discusses the challenges of filming a river scene using innovative techniques and the unique visual storytelling of westerns. Mullen shares insights on lighting, particularly when working with child actors, and reflects on the impact of aspect ratios in the genre. The conversation is filled with anecdotes and thoughts on creative flexibility, film stocks, and the memorable dialogue that brought the script to life.
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Minimal Genre Talk with Coens
- Roger Deakins describes minimal genre discussion with the Coen brothers before shooting True Grit.
- He read the Coen's script and the original book, understanding their grittier, realistic vision for the film.
Widescreen and Stock Choices
- The 2.4:1 widescreen aspect ratio used in True Grit was a natural choice tied to Western landscapes.
- Returning to film stocks, Deakins favored tungsten-balanced stocks with filtration for color control.
Opening Push-In Shot Story
- The iconic opening push-in shot on the boarding house in True Grit was complicated by location limits.
- They resolved it by shooting a push-in on a crane and extending it digitally, creating a highly effective sequence.
