Audition (1999)

Director: Takashi Miike

Cinematographer: Hideo Yamamoto

Genre: Horror/Psychological Thriller

Runtime: 115 minutes

Technical Specifications

Camera Equipment

Camera: 35mm film cameras

Format: Super 35mm

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Film Stock: Fuji film stock

Lenses: Standard spherical lenses

Visual Approach

Style: Naturalistic with horror elements

Color Palette: Muted, realistic tones

Lighting: Natural lighting with dramatic shadows

Movement: Static compositions with selective movement

Cinematographer's Approach

Hideo Yamamoto's Philosophy: Long-time Miike collaborator who creates deceptively simple compositions that build psychological tension through restraint.

Key Techniques:

Static camera positions for psychological unease
Natural lighting with selective dramatic moments
Medium shots and close-ups for intimacy
Minimal camera movement to build tension
Point-of-view shots switching between characters

Lighting Setup

Approach: Naturalistic lighting that gradually becomes more dramatic as the psychological horror intensifies.

Key Lighting Strategies:

Available light for realistic domestic scenes
Window light for natural interior illumination
Practical lamps and fixtures
Dramatic shadows for horror sequences
Minimal artificial lighting to maintain realism

Frame Grabs & Analysis

Character Study - Asami

Setup: Natural window lighting

Lighting: Soft daylight with minimal fill

Purpose: Deceptive innocence and beauty

Domestic Interior

Setup: Available light with practical sources

Lighting: Natural room lighting

Purpose: Realistic everyday environment

Horror Sequence

Setup: Dramatic lighting with strong shadows

Lighting: Single source creating stark contrasts

Purpose: Psychological terror and revelation

Recreation Notes

For Naturalistic Scenes:

Use available window light as primary source
Minimal artificial lighting to maintain realism
Practical lamps and fixtures for interior scenes
Static camera positions on tripod

For Horror Sequences:

Single hard light source for dramatic shadows
High contrast ratios (8:1 or higher)
Minimal fill light to preserve shadow detail
Careful composition to build psychological tension