Bad Lieutenant (1992)

Director: Abel Ferrara

Cinematographer: Ken Kelsch, ASC

Genre: Crime Drama

Runtime: 96 minutes

Technical Specifications

Camera Equipment

Camera: Arriflex 35 BL III, Arriflex 35 II C

Lenses: Spherical lenses

Format: 35mm

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Film Stock: Kodak film stock

Visual Approach

Style: Gritty urban realism

Color Palette: Desaturated, urban decay

Lighting: Available light with practicals

Movement: Handheld documentary style

Cinematographer's Approach

Ken Kelsch's Philosophy: Vietnam War veteran who brought documentary realism to narrative filmmaking. Long-time Ferrara collaborator (12 features together) known for gritty, uncompromising urban cinematography.

Key Techniques:

Available light photography for authenticity
Handheld camera work for immediacy
Practical lighting sources (street lamps, neon)
Minimal lighting equipment for mobility
Documentary-influenced compositions

Lighting Setup

Approach: Minimal artificial lighting, relying heavily on available sources to maintain documentary authenticity and urban atmosphere.

Key Lighting Strategies:

Street lighting and neon signs for night scenes
Natural window light for interiors
Practical lamps and fixtures
High-speed film stock for low-light situations
Minimal fill lighting to preserve shadows

Frame Grabs & Analysis

Church Interior

Setup: Available church lighting with practicals

Lighting: Candles and church fixtures

Purpose: Spiritual corruption and moral decay

Urban Environment

Setup: Street lighting and available sources

Lighting: Practical street lamps and neon

Purpose: Gritty New York City atmosphere

Production Still - Kelsch and Ferrara

Setup: Behind-the-scenes documentation

Lighting: Natural available light

Purpose: Documentary approach to filmmaking

Recreation Notes

For Street Scenes:

Use available street lighting as primary source
High-speed film stock or high ISO digital
Handheld camera for documentary feel
Minimal additional lighting equipment

For Interior Scenes:

Natural window light when possible
Practical lamps and fixtures
Minimal fill lighting to preserve atmosphere
Fast lenses for low-light situations