MovieChat Forums > The Black Stallion (1979) Discussion > How could this not get an Oscar for cine...

How could this not get an Oscar for cinematography?

posted 18 years ago by dcornibe
26 replies | jump to latest

The Black Stallion, I think, is one of the most beautifully filmed movies of all time. I mean look at those island scenes. Deep blue water. The sunsets. The shallow depth of field on that porcupine. The underwater scenes with Alec and the horse. Even the rainbow during the end credits (!). Plus, think of the logistics they had to go through following a fast-moving horse on a sandy beach. Caleb Deschanel pulled it all off like a master. Then there were the later scenes on the farm, warmly lit. And don't forget the horse Napoleon and his driver coming out of the fog. There was so much variety in this film, all challenging I'm sure. I CANNOT UNDERSTAND why it wasn't even nominated for Best Cinematography at the Oscars in 1980 (for 1979 films). Exactly what standards for excellence in cinematography are they looking for when they nominate these films?

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] Cristine_DuBois 17 years ago

The striking imagery in this film is something I still remember and I haven't seen it since it was released in theaters in 1979. I wonder what did win that year=Probably not as memorable. The cinematographer used the body and movement of the horse for amazing composition. He did a great job with this film.

[–] ajaxleftback 17 years ago

I too am a HUGE fan of the cinematography of this film, but the Oscar winner was Apocalypse Now. Hmmmm....it's kind of hard to say which film is more deserving. 2 incredible classics.

[–] titusbeertsen 13 years ago

Well, OK, that's fair competition... Those were the days with beautiful REAL camerawork, not CGI-based flashy stuff like Inception et al.

"The willow sees the heron's image upside down" from 'Sans Soleil'

[–] dcornibe 11 years ago

Okay, I can see how Apocalypse Now could win the Oscar for cinematography, that was widely recognized as one of the greatest films of all time. But at least The Black Stallion could have been nominated for it - it certainly deserved a chance at the competition.

[–] mgr1900 17 years ago

dcornibe, you are correct. Nobody can remember what movie actually won Best Cinematography in 1979 and clearly the Black Stallion was overlooked. The only redemption I think the movie received was film critic Rona Barrett who said the movie was worthy of being compared to the Wizard of Oz (or something like that).

Another impressive piece of work was Deschanel's work on The Passion of the Christ. However because it went against the forces in Hollywood, the only award Deschanel got that year was the royal screw award. The Aviator won best Cinematography for that year. Yeah right! The Hollywood blowhards placed politics over talent and artistic achievement.

Deschanel is one of the most underrated talents in Hollywood today. I get the impressioned he is permantly on the Hollywood &hitlist now for his work with Mel Gibson.

Deschanel is the Bently of Hollywood cinematographers. And so far, he has not been recognized. As far as I'm concerned he won the Oscar in 1980 for his work on the Black Stallion.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] esme797 17 years ago

I have often wondered the same thing. I can't believe it wasn't nominated, and I don't know anyone who seems able to remember what actually won that year.

[–] kungfuflygirl 17 years ago

and consider how stunning the musical score combines with the cinematography. I love this film! Who cares about awards.

[–] durufle2 17 years ago

I was so delighted to see that DirecTV's MGM HD channel had this today. The cinematography combined with the score really sparkled. One fantastic film!

[–] dcornibe 11 years ago

Hmm, since it was on an HD channel, might they release the Blu-Ray soon??

[–] luvjd 17 years ago

The Black Stallion, I think, is one of the most beautifully filmed movies of all time.

Yes.

THEY ALL DESERVE TO DIE if they don't give Depp the Oscar

[–] In-a-Haze 17 years ago

THe cinematography in this film is breathtaking. Every detail is stunning.

The Oscars have definately started to lose their credibility in my books after this major overlook of Caleb Deschanel's work and of others.

In my mind this movie remains one of the best shot films of all time.

A completely underrated masterpiece.

[–] Mickey77 16 years ago

The was indeed a big outcry in February, 1980 when the Oscar nominations were announced. The cinematography category drew the most comments. Not only for the omission of Deschanels work on STALLION but also for the non-nomination of Gordon Willis for MANHATTAN. While the perpetual ignoring of Willis for his work on 1970's films (including 3 best picture Oscar winners) will always be a mystery - there is an explanation for why Deschanel is not on the list. Rules at the time restricted a cinematographer for receiving 2 nominations in the best cinematography category. It purely speculation, but Deschanel may have also been cited for his work on BEING THERE, the resulting division of votes meant he did not make the top 5 on either film and the nomination stage.

http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=32397724

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] irishtom99 15 years ago

until the late 80s,the cinematography guild of the academy,which offers nominations,was very provincial and "good-old-boy"..for years,the great gordon willis was overlooked for his work with coppola and woody allen..for a long time,this was also true of the music voters..more recently,their nominations are representative of quality,and less about hollywood politics..

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] 15 years ago

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