Think like an artist

In the realm of filmmaking, technical prowess alone does not guarantee success. The true mastery lies in an ability to infuse each frame with a distinct artistic vision. For new directors, thinking like an artist is not just beneficial—it is imperative. This approach transcends the mere execution of scenes, transforming films into immersive experiences that resonate on a deeper level. Here’s why adopting an artistic mindset is crucial for burgeoning directors.

The Artistic Vision: A Catalyst for Unique Storytelling

Yeah, I get it. Thinking like an artist is all well and good but doesn’t it have a whiff of self-indulgence, pretension, or (worse) amateurism? Isn’t filmmaking a hard-nosed commercial art form that requires a business mindset?

Tell that to Christopher Nolan who, in the words of film critic Mark Kermode created a $100m art film with Inception (2010) - a film that went on to make almost $1bn at the box office. Or, listen to Robert Pattinson who argues that actors are attracted to directors who create a zeitgeist - not just with their films but with their approach to films:

”.Don’t just work with directors who make good movies. Work with directors who generate so specific an energy that people want to both watch their films and be part of the subculture that they alone can cultivate.” Robert Pattinson (GQ Magazine, Feb 2022)

Artistic thinking enables directors to craft unique narratives that stand out in a saturated market. This perspective allows for the exploration of themes and aesthetics that may not conform to conventional filmmaking norms. The renowned director Stanley Kubrick once said, "A film is—or should be—more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings." Kubrick's work exemplifies how an artistic approach can result in groundbreaking films that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. His approach to The Shining, inspired as much by Freud’s essay on the uncanny as King’s source material, was to externalise the psychotic breakdown of the Jack Torrance character.

The Shining (Kubrick, 1980)

By thinking like an artist, new directors can develop a signature style that sets them apart. This uniqueness is exemplified by directors like Wes Anderson. Anderson’s personal zeitgeist (to use Pattinson’s term) creates a rich world of meaning that deeply engages viewers and attracts actors to his projects.

Consider the image below from The Grand Budapest Hotel. The meticulously arranged background and pastel color palette reinforces Anderson's storybook-like world. This isn't just eye candy, however. The visuals evoke a sense of nostalgia and whimsy that tie in with a commentary on myth-making in the subtext. Beneath that, there is more. Through his precise blocking, Anderson reveals characters' hidden motivations and outlines the intricate social rules and hierarchies within the narrative. This blend of visual delight and deeper meaning is what makes Anderson’s style so distinctive and compelling.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (Anderson, 2014)

Visual Composition: Beyond the Frame

Artistic thinking emphasizes the importance of visual composition, a fundamental aspect of filmmaking. A director who thinks like an artist considers every frame as a canvas, meticulously designing each shot to convey meaning and emotion. The legendary director Akira Kurosawa once stated, "With a good script, a good director can produce a masterpiece; with the same script, a mediocre director can make a terrible movie." Kurosawa’s films, known for their striking compositions and innovative camera techniques, highlight how artistic thinking can elevate the visual storytelling.

For instance, in Rashomon Kurosawa’s use of light and shadow not only enhances the film’s aesthetic appeal but also underscores the narrative’s exploration of subjective reality. This artistic approach to visual composition enables directors to create scenes that are not just visually captivating but also rich in symbolic meaning. They are key symbols that delve deep into the film's core themes. In the still below the light on the character’s face hints at moments of clarity and truth, those fleeting instances when we think we understand what really happened. But the shadows tell a different story. They symbolize the secrets, the lies, and the moral gray areas that complicate each character’s narrative. It’s a brilliant way Kurosawa shows us that truth isn’t always clear-cut. Sometimes, it’s buried in layers of personal bias and self-interest.

Rashomon (Kurosawa, 1950)

Emotional Resonance: The Heart of Artistry

An artistic mindset allows directors to mine the emotional core of their films, crafting narratives that resonate on a profound level. Graphic design principles can be useful here, as discussed in our Art of Directing course. By thinking like an artist, directors can explore not just what to include but what can be removed to strengthen the message. As Martin Scorsese once remarked, "Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out."

Scorsese’s ability to portray flawed, deeply human characters with empathy and nuance demonstrates the power of artistic principles in subtly expressing the intricacies of the human condition. When it works well the connection between what we see and the interior state of the characters are indistinguishable. This is reflected well in this scene from Taxi Driver when the camera move at the end of the shot - creating a cinematic ‘white space’ - reinforces the isolation and loneliness of the antihero, Travis.

Innovation and Experimentation: Breaking New Ground

Thinking like an artist encourages innovation and experimentation, essential elements for the evolution of cinema. Directors who adopt this mindset are more likely to take risks and explore new techniques, resulting in films that challenge the status quo. David Lynch, known for his surreal and avant-garde films, encapsulates this spirit of innovation.

Lynch began as a painter and his engagement with filmmaking was out of a desire to see his paintings move. He has created a personal cinematic language that has evolved and developed over his career. And it’s not just visuals. Lynch once said, "Films are 50 percent visual and 50 percent sound. Sometimes sound even overplays the visual." Sound design is a vital tool for directors and can carry as much poetic and symbolic language as the visual.

Twin Peaks: The Return (Lynch, 2017)

Cultivating an Artistic Mindset

For new directors, cultivating an artistic mindset involves continuous learning and exploration. It requires a deep appreciation for all art forms, from painting and music to literature and theater. By immersing themselves in diverse artistic disciplines, directors can draw inspiration and develop a richer, more nuanced approach to filmmaking.

Thinking like an artist is not a luxury but a necessity for new directors. By embracing an artistic mindset, it can help you push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking, resulting in innovative and memorable cinematic experiences. As the industry continues to evolve, the importance of artistic thinking in filmmaking will only grow, making it an indispensable skill for the directors of tomorrow. Find out how to develop your artistic voice with Cinevisionary’s online courses and our workshops.