When cinematographer Robert Yeoman isn't working on a Wes Anderson film you can see him from time to time working on some of his more well-known films, "Bridesmaids,' 'Ghostbusters,' and 'Yes Man'. Yeoman has quite the track record when it comes to cinematography. He has been able to be the D.P. for every one of Wes Anderson's films, including 'The Darjeeling Limited.' It is very obvious, stylistically that he has been the one to work side by side in films with Anderson.
You can tell Yeoman is well versed in the rule of thirds by the way he composes his frames. for example:
Not only are both clear horizon lines breaking through the top and bottom thirds of the frame but Adrian Brody's character is also near the upper-right axis.
You can also see this rule applied throughout the film.
The foreground of where the characters are walking creates a horizontal line along with the actual horizon.
The rule of thirds is prevalent throughout his career, especially in Anderson's films. Some examples are:
Here is a excerpt from the film, 'Moonrise Kingdom'. The chair tops and the heads of the actors are following the rule. You can also see that the actress in the black her prominent eye is located directly down the center of the frame. Man can this man compose a frame!
This is another example of portraiture guides she is placed dead center while the lighthouse that surrounds her has vertical lines on the left and right side of her following the rule of thirds.
While the cinematography is dead on these films wouldn't stand out without all of the other creative forces such as: Wes himself, Mark Friedberg the production design, and all the others who have invested their time and lives to make these films come to life and beyond. Lets give them a round of applause for their outstanding work.
