Clubhouse Conversations — Don't Worry Darling & The Whale

In this episode, cinematographer Matthew Libatique, ASC is joined by interviewer Tommy Maddox-Upshaw, ASC to discuss his work on Don’t Worry Darling and The Whale — the latest features from directors Olivia Wilde and Darren Aronofsky, respectively.

A 1950s-set psychological thriller, Don’t Worry Darling explores a strange and insular community where housewife Alice Chambers (Florence Pugh) begins to uncover the sinister reality underneath her seemingly idyllic life. And in The Whale, a reclusive English teacher Charlie (Brendan Fraser) makes a last-ditch attempt to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Ellie (Sadie Sink).

In this interview, Libatique discusses the vibrant-yet-naturalistic color palette of Don’t Worry Darling; his approach to practical lighting in The Whale; his depiction of both femininity and the male gaze; and the importance of honoring exterior lighting when shooting interior scenes.

Matthew Libatique, ASC is a cinematographer whose feature credits include such acclaimed features as Requiem for a Dream (2000), Iron Man (2008), Black Swan (2010) and A Star is Born (2018).

Tommy Maddox-Upshaw, ASC is a cinematographer whose TV credits include the series Snowfall, The Man Who Fell to Earth and Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland.

You’ll find all episodes in our ASC Clubhouse Conversations discussion series here.