Cinematographer Goert Giltay, NSC, and director Jos Stelling join AC’s Iain Marcks on a Skype call from the Netherlands to discuss their approach to the drama The Girl and Death. The longtime collaborators cover the choice of shooting digitally with an Arri Alexa, how they achieved the expressionistic visuals, and the flexible lighting approach that was necessitated by the actors’ availability.
About the film
The Dutch drama The Girl and Death begins in Russia in the wake of World War II. After receiving a book of poetry from a surprise visitor, Nicolai (Sergey Makovetsky) is inspired to return to the hotel in Germany where he first encountered the love of his life 50 years earlier. He relives the tragic affair, which involves a beguiling courtesan, Elise (Sylvia Hoeks), and her jealous lover, the Count (Dieter Hallervorden), who also owns the hotel.
The Girl and Death was directed by Jos Stelling and shot by Goert Giltay, NSC, who won the Netherlands Film Festival’s Golden Calf for Best Cinematography for his work on the picture. Giltay’s filmography includes The Flying Dutchman, for which he won the Camerimage Silver Frog, and The Past Is Dead.
American Cinematographer interviews cinematographers, directors and other filmmakers to take you behind the scenes on major studio movies, independent films and popular television series.
Subscribe on iTunes
