"The Jewel of the Nile": Guilty Pleasure Cinematography?
Okay, so I just re-watched "The Jewel of the Nile" and I have thoughts. I know, I know, it's not exactly high art, but indulge me. As a cinematography student, I can't help but notice the visual choices, even in fluffy adventure flicks. Thing is, it's so 80s, it's almost comical. The color grading is insane! Seriously, the desert scenes practically glow with orange and the nighttime shots are swimming in blue. I kinda love it though? There's a certain charm to its over-the-top-ness. Does anyone else agree or am I totally alone on this? Specifically, I was paying attention to the framing in the action sequences. Director unknown (lol) seemed to favor these wide shots that capture ALL the chaos. Think about the sandstorm scene – it's less about close-ups on Kathleen Turner's terrified face (though there's some of that) and more about the sheer scale of the environment and the practical effects involved. It's definitely a product of it's time, relying on practical effects. It's not particularly subtle, but it is effective in conveying the sense of danger and scale. But honestly, beyond the technical stuff, it's just a fun movie! Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas have amazing chemistry and Simeon played by Spiros Focás is a genuinely compelling villain. It's predictable, sure, and maybe a little cheesy, but sometimes that's exactly what you need, right? Plus, the soundtrack is pure 80s gold! What are your overall opinions on this movie, do you think it is a visually capturing movie?
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