Understanding the Cinematography of Robby Müller

Robby Müller was one of the pioneers of the digital video revolution. When no one took video seriously, he shot beautiful features with Lars Von Trier on DV, specifically the Sony PD150 camera. In this video and article I go through some of his cinematography lighting and camera techniques to help you understand his unique style.

Just to be clear: Robby Müller changed his style to suit the movies he shot. The goal of this video and article is to drum up enthusiasm and a yearning to learn more.

Warning: I do not claim this knowledge is 100% accurate. Just think of it as an endorsement of his work. If you want accuracy, look someplace else.

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How he lights faces

Robby Müller kept things simple. Either a three quarters or Paramount (butterfly) lighting pattern, usually from the broad side.

He mixed both hard and soft lighting sources, and the contrast ratio was high. His primary concern was creating mood and emotion through his lighting, and making things look pretty was the last thing on his mind (unless that was what the script demanded).

He used a spot meter to get accurate readings for exposure. With video, he used the waveform monitor.

Composition

Robby Müller’s strongest skill (in my opinion) was his ability to compose beautiful frames effortlessly. Even though he had to contend with less lighting and small budgets, it was his sense of composition and blocking that took the films he shot to another level.

Luckily for him, the directors he worked with trusted his instincts when it came to composition and lighting. Robby Müller also operated his own camera whenever he wasn’t restricted by the unions.