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Exploring David Fincher's Directing Techniques

May 4, 2025

Every Frame a Painting: David Fincher's Directing Style

Introduction

  • Narrator: Tony from "Every Frame a Painting."
  • Main Idea: Directors express themselves in small scene details over time.
    • Misconception: Directors are defined by big set pieces.
    • Reality: Scenes with "two people in a room talking" reveal what filmmakers care about.
  • Focus: David Fincher's stylistic choices in these small scenes.

David Fincher's Focus on Information

  • Key Concept: Drama in Fincher's films centers on characters learning new information.
    • Example Scenes: Characters reacting to new truths and how it fits with known facts.

Fincher's Unique Directorial Choices

  1. Handheld Camera Use

    • Fincher prefers locked-down, tripod shots.
    • Minimal handheld usage (e.g., two scenes in "Dragon Tattoo").
    • Contrasts handheld for detectives vs. tripod for John Doe in "Se7en."

  2. Camera Operation

    • Avoids a human-operated camera look (e.g., no deliberate shake or mistakes).
    • Prefers an omniscient, smooth camera style.

  3. Close-Ups

    • Uses close-ups sparingly to emphasize important moments.
    • As Fincher has directed more, he uses fewer close-ups.

  4. Camera Movement

    • Avoids unnecessary camera movements.
    • Presents scenes in wide, simple frames to focus on the action.

Cinematic Techniques in Dialogue Scenes

  • Scene Analysis: A dialogue scene in "Se7en."
    • Focus is on three people with different relationships and power dynamics.
    • Uses shot sizes and angles to convey drama and character focus.
    • Close-up used strategically to show a pivotal moment.

Evolution of Fincher's Style

  • Subtlety and Emptiness
    • Utilizes empty frames to convey absence and mood.
    • Builds scenes to moments of direct engagement (e.g., looks into the camera).

Reputation and Craftsmanship

  • Known for being uncompromising, requiring many takes.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of power dynamics through editing and framing.
  • Recognized for meticulous craft in directing, worthy of study.

Conclusion

  • Fincher's style shows a focus on deliberate shot selection, framing, and subtle storytelling.
  • His work offers valuable lessons in film directing and scene construction.
  • Fincher's view on audiences: "People are perverts," reflecting his thematic explorations.

Full transcript