How much of horror is in the cinematography?
A lot, which is why you need a strong director of photography to create tension using the camera, color, and light.
Master is a film set at a prestigious college campus, where Jasmine (Zoe Renee) is a new student and Gail Bishop (Regina Hall) is the school’s first Black dean (or “master,” as she’s titled on campus). The school is not only marred by the racism these characters experience—sometimes overtly and sometimes as microaggressions—but also the ghosts of a violent past, since they’re located near the site of some infamous witch trials.
Jasmine and Gail try to find their places within this system while both confront the increasingly disturbing spirits that threaten them. This is the debut feature from writer/director Mariama Diallo. Diallo also appeared at Sundance previously with her short Hair Wolf.
Master’s director of photography is Charlotte Hornsby, who also worked with Diallo on Hair Wolf. Hornsby’s confident visuals and use of color help draw out the fear and tension of Master.
Author: Jo Light
This article comes from No Film School and can be read on the original site.
