John Mathieson, cinematographer for ‘Gladiator II’, criticizes Ridley Scott’s “Lazy” Filmmaking Approach.

In recent years, filmmaking has undergone significant changes, especially with the widespread use of CGI technology. This advancement has opened up new possibilities in filmmaking that were once considered impossible. One filmmaker who has embraced these changes is Ridley Scott.

In a recent episode of the “DocFix” podcast, cinematographer John Mathieson discussed his work as DP on Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II.” During the conversation, Mathieson highlighted the differences in working on this film compared to past collaborations with Scott. He expressed his concerns about what he perceives as a “lazy” approach to filmmaking, particularly Scott’s reliance on CGI to clean up shots.

Mathieson pointed out how CGI is now used to remove unwanted elements from a shot, such as cameras, microphones, set pieces, and shadows, instead of taking the time to properly set up the shot. Additionally, Mathieson criticized Scott’s use of a multicam approach, where multiple cameras capture a scene simultaneously, as opposed to focusing on one shot at a time. While this method may expedite the filmmaking process, Mathieson believes it sacrifices the artistic depth that can be achieved through careful lighting and composition.

Despite his criticisms, Mathieson acknowledged Scott’s reputation as a legendary filmmaker with a loyal fan base who appreciates his work. However, he emphasized the importance of preserving the artistry and craftsmanship of cinematography in filmmaking.

The candid nature of Mathieson’s remarks about Scott’s filmmaking techniques may come as a surprise, but his vast experience and accolades in the industry lend credibility to his observations. To hear the full conversation between Mathieson and the podcast host, you can listen to the embedded episode below.

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