Thomas Flight has argued that “Succession” uses a subjective, observational approach to its cinematography that has less in common with the broader American television landscape, and approximates the styles of something like Thomas Vinterberg’s 1998 film “The Celebration “. The show is full of what could appear to be clumsy camerawork under different circumstances: imprecise framing, unsightly focus shifts, jerky pans. However, “Succession” is very deliberate in the way it uses these techniques. Combined, they allow the camera to mimic an off-screen character’s perspective, reacting in real time to whatever is happening in a given scene.
In order to create that impressionistic visual style, “Succession” is often filmed in long takes, especially during scenes involving multiple characters interacting. “As an actor, they’re incredibly exciting and satisfying, and then intimidating to play because sometimes they’re 10-page scenes,” explained Matthew Macfadyen, who plays the pathetic, pitiful Tom Wambsgans. “And so you have to rely on your fellow actors. You can’t be an island,” he added, emphasizing how the show’s cast must remain vigilant, even when the camera isn’t focused on them.
“There’s just a lot of trust,” noted Nicholas Braun, who as cousin Greg forms the other half of the “Disgusting Brothers” with Tom. “In a scene with three characters or a scene with 15 characters, everyone knows their role so well and knows the beats of our show so well and knows when you can improvise or when you can fill a void or when you leave someone behind. someone else have that,” he continued.
If it sounds a lot like theater, that’s because it is. There’s a good reason so many of the “Succession” actors have extensive stage experience, including Macfadyen.
Add comment