March 2024

Under the Light: All the Colors of Crime

Under the Light is a fast-paced urban crime procedural with a strong Chinese government-inspired anti-corruption message, shot by Luo Pan, ASC, CNSC for the highly acclaimed director Zhang Yimou. The narrative is supported visually by Luo Pan’s very striking nighttime cinematography, which makes full use of reflections from rain-drenched streets, garishly lit riverboats and the neon lights of a modern Chinese city. From left, cinematographer Luo Pan, ASC and director Zhang Yimou. Zhang Yimou, who has been nominated three times for an Oscar — Ju Dou (1990), Raise the Red Lantern (1991) and Hero (2003) — is known for his preference for rich colors, and Luo Pan worked hard to deliver the director’s vision. Zhang had not shot a film set in...more