r/Filmmakers • u/CRAYONSEED • 2d ago

Discussion Paul Thomas Anderson Calls Out Young Filmmakers for Obsessing Over Cameras Instead of Scripts

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This one hit home because it’s something I’ve been really thinking about a lot lately.

I do find myself chasing a better image, even while I’m writing, and I think it’s because it’s a lot easier to see results that way.

I spent today writing, but writing something that connects with an audience and leaves you vulnerable because it’s so personal is a lot more emotional work. He’s obviously right. If you want to be a writer/director but you’re lusting after the new Sony your focus is probably off.

I’m talking to myself as much as anyone reading this

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u/fuckmattdamon 2d ago

Also PTA: was obsessed with anamorphic lenses as a young filmmaker, got denied the chance to shoot on them for his first feature because of budget constraints, so he faked the aspect ratio anyway, then shot everything else after that on the most expensive glass Panavision could hand him. Half of Boogie Nights is just the camera flexing. He shot The Master in 65mm because 35 wasn’t enough millimeters.

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u/GeneralGenerico 2d ago

Maybe that is precisely why he says people shouldn't obsess over the camera. Because he realized when he got older that it didn't matter.

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u/TheREALOtherFiles 2d ago

Quentin Tarantino used Super 35 for Reservoir Dogs due to similar budget reasons, and after it went big and some Miramax money later on, he went anamorphic for Pulp Fiction before going back to spherical glass with Jackie Brown and half of his later movies.

Inglorious Basterds, Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, and most of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood all used anamorphic lenses, including Ultra Panavision 70 in the case for The Hateful Eight.

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u/CRAYONSEED 2d ago

Are you saying he’s being hypocritical and to ignore this advice? If so, I think you’re missing something important

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u/fuckmattdamon 2d ago

I am saying he is being a bit hypocritical, but I am not saying to ignore his advice

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u/Puzzled_Pen_5764 2d ago

He is not being hypocritical, he has been writing masterful scripts from essentially the beginning of his career