Akira Kurosawa and his films

I watched three movies by Akira Kurosawa to analyze how prevalent his influence is through three separate films. The three movies were Throne of Blood, Seven Samurai and Ran. What's interesting about these movies is that two of them are based on Shakespeare plays, so another creative mind is already contributing to these works indirectly. However, it is known that Kurosawa writes his own films by himself, which makes sense because all three movies definitely seemed to be made by the same person. The cinematography was fairly similar across the board. All three films made generous use of dramatic pauses during which little to no action is taking place and the camera holds on one figure. Cuts are generally made only when necessary and a single shot is occasionally stretched to the maximum length it can be without getting uncomfortable. Also (and this may just be a trait found in Japanese films) the actors sometimes overact their roles. The moments are really dramatized and characters will often express their anger or frustration very frankly with body language or facial expressions. There is little subtlety to be had in these films.

Kurosawa's establishing shots are also very similar across these three movies. He shows the land in its natural peaceful state before he introduces the conflict that leaves the land foggy and covered in bodies. In fact, his pivotal battles are often punctuated by some sort of weather effect or an ominous fog to set the tone for the scene. Everything about his shots is extremely well measured and very deliberate.

Likewise, the lighting in Kurosawa's environments, especially his interior spaces, is hardly ever realistic. There is always light where there needs to be light and there is always shadow where something or someone must be covered. He uses light and contrast to bring attention to important characters or actions and when that light would not naturally be present, he puts it there anyway, because in the end, he is making a film that must read the way he wants it to. Sometimes he tries to explain that light with something like a gap in the wall. Other times, there is no reason for it at all. It simply needs to be there for the shot.

One last thing that I think is worth mentioning is the way he is able to communicate ideas and thoughts without a word of dialogue. The quality of these films is not very good, so the actors often had to compensate by very clearly showing their emotions on their faces. But at times, a character will say nothing at all while speaking entirely with their body language. They can express fear, dismay and even madness in this manner. It is really quite impressive what Kurosawa can do with visuals alone.