Serpico (1973)

Director: Sidney Lumet

Cinematographer: Arthur J. Ornitz, ASC

Genre: Crime Drama/Biography

Runtime: 130 minutes

Technical Specifications

Camera Equipment

Camera: Panavision cameras

Lenses: Panavision lenses

Format: 35mm

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Film Stock: Kodak film stock

Visual Approach

Style: Urban realism with warm look

Color Palette: Warm tones throughout

Lighting: Natural lighting with warm sources

Movement: Documentary-influenced camera work

Cinematographer's Approach

Arthur J. Ornitz's Philosophy: Veteran cinematographer known for Death Wish and The Boys in the Band. Collaborated with Lumet to maintain a "warm look" throughout the film using lighting techniques.

Key Techniques:

Warm lighting to contrast urban decay
Natural location lighting for authenticity
Documentary-style camera work
110 different NYC locations for realism
Available light photography when possible

Lighting Setup

Approach: Lumet and Ornitz chose to maintain a "warm look" throughout the film, using lighting to create emotional warmth despite the harsh urban environment.

Key Lighting Strategies:

Warm color temperature lighting sources
Natural window light for interior scenes
Practical street lighting for night exteriors
Minimal artificial enhancement to preserve realism
Consistent warm tone throughout narrative

Frame Grabs & Analysis

Character Study - Serpico

Setup: Natural lighting with warm tones

Lighting: Soft window light with warm color temperature

Purpose: Humanizing the idealistic cop

NYC Location Photography

Setup: Available light street photography

Lighting: Natural daylight with urban atmosphere

Purpose: Authentic New York City environment

Police Environment

Setup: Documentary-style coverage

Lighting: Practical lighting with warm undertones

Purpose: Realistic police work atmosphere

Recreation Notes

For Interior Scenes:

Use warm color temperature sources (3200K-3400K)
Natural window light as primary source
Practical lamps with warm bulbs
Minimal fill lighting to preserve atmosphere

For Exterior Scenes:

Available daylight with warm filtration
Street lighting and neon for night scenes
Documentary-style handheld camera work
Multiple NYC locations for authenticity