MovieChat Forums > Klute (1971) Discussion > It Seemed Dark/Poorly Shot in TCM Showin...

It Seemed Dark/Poorly Shot in TCM Showing

posted 10 years ago by strumdatjag
7 replies | jump to latest

Just watched a DVRed TCM showing of "Klute". I gave it an 8/10, based on my memory of my impressions upon seeing it in its first theatrical release. Watching it on the tube was difficult. It was hard to see the faces of people. Often they looked like silhouettes, especially in the scenes at night or in less-lit indoor scenes. I'm wondering whether the quality of the print has deteriorated, whether I just didn't notice or care when I was a teenager, or whether dark scenes in movies just often look lousy when broadcast on HDTV. The darkness detracted from the viewing experience.

[–] L0GAN5 10 years ago

Did you watch it on an LCD display? Contrast is hopeless on those things. What you need is a plasma or good old fashioned CRT if you are watching something with lots of dark scenes.

[–] strumdatjag 10 years ago

Mine is actually on an old three gun HD Ready TV, which is usually good for contrast and lighting. It wasn't good on this showing of Klute on TCM.

[–] wheresjohnny 9 years ago

My memory of seeing it in 1971 and since is that it was always a bad looking movie.

[–] !!!deleted!!! (63057267) 9 years ago

"...it was always a bad looking movie."

If you saw KLUTE in the theater back in '71, you've had plenty of time to learn something about filmmaking, or at least cinematography. Sadly, however, you clearly haven't, as KLUTE remains somewhat legendary among film enthusiasts and filmmakers alike for its groundbreaking (and peerless) cinematography... Yet here you are, insisting that it looks poor. Maybe it's time the rest of us altered our long-standing opinions about this movie now that you've offered your valuable insights on the subject!

[–] henrimaine 9 years ago

KLUTE remains somewhat legendary among film enthusiasts and filmmakers alike for its groundbreaking (and peerless) cinematography

Can you explain or direct me to some website, book or article which explains why Klute is considered groundbreaking for its cinematography? I'm not saying it isn't, just wondering what exactly is so good about it.

[–] !!!deleted!!! (63057267) 9 years ago

I'm sure there are many quotes from noted directors and cinematographers about it, but the one that leaps to mind is in the book "Scorsese on Scorsese", in which he talks about how revolutionary Willis's lighting was for the film.

[–] scorsese-1 9 years ago

The DP is Gordon Willis the prince of darkness, also famous for the Godfather films.