Poland is a cinematographer empire!

[Jake]

I've been looking at lists of cinematographers for some recent films and I was very surprised to see that all great cinematographer are Polish. I'm particularly surprised because while Poland has many great directors and actors they tend not to be internationally famous (with a few exceptions).

Look at this:

Andrzej Bartkowiak-

* Thirteen Days (2000)
* Gossip (2000)
* Turkey. Cake. (1999)
* Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
* U.S. Marshals (1998)
* The Devil's Advocate (1997)
* Dante's Peak (1997)
* The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)
* Jade (1995)
* Species (1995)
* Losing Isaiah (1995)
* A Good Man in Africa (1994) by Bruce Beresford
* Speed (1994) by Jan De Bont
* Guilty as Sin (1993)
* Falling Down (1993)
* A Stranger Among Us (1992)
* Hard Promises (1991)
* Q & A (1990)
* Family Business (1989)
* Twins (1988)
* Nuts (1987) by Barbra Streisand
* The Morning After (1986)
* Power (1986)
* Prizzi's Honor (1985) by John Houston
* Garbo Talks (1984) also appeared
* Terms of Endearment (1983)
* Daniel (1983)
* The Verdict (1982)
* Ira Levin's Deathtrap (1982)
* Prince of the City (1981) by Sidney Lumet
* 3 by Cheever: The 5:48 (1979/TV) by James Ivory
* Deadly Hero (1976)

Janusz Kamiński:

* Indiana Jones 4 (2008) (announced)
* Le Scaphandre et le papillon (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) (2007)
* Munich (2005)
* War of the Worlds (2005)
* Jumbo Girl (2004)
* The Terminal (2004)
* Catch Me If You Can (2002)
* Minority Report (2002)
* Artificial Intelligence: AI (2001)
* Saving Private Ryan (1998)
* Amistad (1997)
* The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
* Jerry Maguire (1996)
* How to Make an American Quilt (1995)
* Tall Tale (1995)
* Little Giants (1994)
* Schindler's List (1993)
* Class of '61 (1993)
* The Adventures of Huck Finn (1993)
* Trouble Bound (1993)
* Mad Dog Coll (1992)
* Wildflower (1991)
* Cool as Ice (1991)
* Killer Instinct (1991)
* Pyrates (1991)
* Grim Prairie Tales (1990)
* The Rain Killer (1990)
* The Terror Within II (1990)

Andrzej Sekuła:

* Vice (2006)
* Nomad: The Two Worlds (2005)
* The Pleasure Drivers (2005)
* Cube 2: Hypercube (2002)
* Falling in Love in Pongo Ponga (2002)
* American Psycho (2000)
* Voodoo Dawn (1998)
* Stand-Ins (1997)
* A Further Gesture (1997)
* Cousin Bette (1997)
* Hackers (1995)
* Four Rooms (1995)
* Body Language (1995) (TV)
* Original Language (1995) (TV)
* Across the Moon (1995)
* Pulp Fiction (1994)
* Sleep with Me (1994)
* Oleanna (1994)
* Bank Robber (1993)
* Three of Hearts (1993)
* Revolver (1992)
* Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Dariusz Wolski:

* A Perfect Murder
* Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
* Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
* Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
* Dark City
* The Crow
* Romeo is Bleeding
* Sweeney Todd
* Namastey London
* Crimson Tide


That's pretty amazing IMO. Does Polish cinema pay particular attention to cinematography? I want an explanation!

[michalz00]

I would also add:

Piotr Sobocinski (died a few years ago, he was very good) - he was working with Krzysztof Kieslowski
* Three Colors: Red
* Ransom
* Angel Eyes
* Twilight

Slawomir Idziak
* Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
* King Arthur
* Proof of Life
* Black Hawk Down

Pawel Edelman
* Oliver Twist
* Ray
* The Pianist

I think we have a very good film school.

[michalz00]

In an interview with Slawomir Idziak, that I read once, he said somthing like that the cinematographers in America are were good technicians but they are not considerd as artists. In Poland it's completely different. Here the cinematographer is working very closely with the director. He is involved in the process. He can share his ideas.

I think that is why major directors hire Polish cinematographers. They are very good technicians but they are also artists. They can add something more to the frame

I should also mention that International Film Festival of Art of the Cinematography Camerimage is held every year in Łódź, Poland

[Jake]

You're probably right that they understand the directors well. Looking at the list many of the directors used the same director of photography.

I see Alex Proyas and Gore Verbinski with Dariusz Wolski.
Andrzej Sekuła and Quentin Tarantino.
And of course Janusz Kamiński shooting all of Spielberg's movies certainly confirms this.

Are there many film schools in Poland or is it just one that's really great?

[michalz00]

Łódź Film School is the most famous. Adrzej Wajda, Roman Polanski, Slawomir Idziak... they all studied there.

There is also Andrzej Wajda Film School but it's not as famous.

[michalz00]

Looking at the list many of the directors used the same director of photography

I will add one more

Adam Greenberg and James Cameron. They worked together on both Terminators. Greenberg was born in Krakow (my hometown ). His family moved to America when he was still small.

[Kn'thrak]

I noticed this too about a decade ago. ALways asking my parents "how u say that name" since its polish. Always c polish names under photo companys under cinematographer.
Maybe i shouldn't continue my hobby for photography as so many ppl have told me I'm good at. Even done the odd few "ranchy" shoots too. Girls n cars r a big hit