In the Mood for Doyle (2007)

Christopher Doyle is one of the best known and most acclaimed directors of photography in world cinema. Born in Australia, he sees himself as an Asian citizen rather than a Westerner. His artistic contribution to the films of Wong Kar-wai, Zhang Jimou and Fruit Chan films, among others, is indisputable. Filmed in DV and Super8, this documentary is a kind of wild and stylized road movie -- from Bangkok to Hong Kong, via New York. The camera follows this eccentric and outrageous artist as he gives us his thoughts on his past and present work. From the recent sets of Invisible Waves by Thailand's Pen ek Ratanaruang, and M. Night Shyamalan's Lady in the Water, to the locations in Hong Kong where he shot some of his most famous pictures, such as In The Mood for Love and Dumplings, Chris Doyle talks about his cinematic fascination for Asian culture.

Film Overview
"In the Mood for Doyle" is a 2007 documentary directed by Yves Montmayeur. It concentrates on the prolific and prominent Hong Kong cinematographer Christopher Doyle, understood for his collaboration with renowned filmmakers like Wong Kar-wai and Gus Van Sant. The file showcases Doyle's unique style and contributions to cinema, along with his character and creative approach.

Christopher Doyle: The Man and the Artist
The movie reveals the unique character of Doyle, an Australian who at first moved to Taiwan to study Chinese, but quickly found his enthusiasm in cinematography. He is portrayed as an overly-energetic, enthusiastic, eccentric, and alcoholic figure filled with immense artistic drive. The primary focus of the movie is not just Doyle's unique personality but likewise his ingenious and avant-garde approach to cinematography.

Signature Aesthetic
Doyle, who has actually mainly operated in Asian cinema (primarily in Hong-Kong), is known for his distinctive and varied aesthetic, substantially adding to the distinct looks of lots of critically well-known films like 'In the Mood for Love', 'Chungking Express', and 'Hero'. The documentary highlights his identifiable design involving saturated colours, sophisticated electronic camera motions, unusual angles, and a basic disregard for conventional framing and composition. He is praised for his capability to produce deep emotional resonance through his visual storytelling, bringing the audience more detailed to the characters and their feelings.

Cooperation with Filmmakers
"In the Mood for Doyle" goes over several of Doyle's significant cooperations. His enduring collaboration with Wong Kar-wai is highlighted, exposing a deep, efficient, and sometimes unstable relationship between the two. The film checks out how their innovative synergy formed some of the most renowned Chinese-language films of the past decades. Unique attention is paid to the shooting of 'In the Mood for Love', a masterpiece they collectively produced.

His work in Hollywood, specifically his partnership with Gus Van Sant in movies like 'Paranoid Park' and 'Psycho', is likewise dealt with. The documentary highlights the contrast in working styles and philosophies between the Asian and Western film markets, reflected in Doyle's experiences.

Artistic Philosophy
One of the significant styles going through "In the Mood for Doyle" is the cinematographer's unwavering and unconventional method to his craft. He is constantly driven by his look for authenticity and spontaneity. The film communicates that Doyle does not think in preparing too strictly and prefers to react to the environment he's shooting in, catching the magic in the unscripted and the unexpected. He compares his technique to dancing and often disrupts conventions to break new ground.

Reception and Influence
The film concludes by demonstrating how Doyle's work has actually left a deep impact on worldwide movie theater. Although his non-traditional working approaches attract debate, they have actually undoubtedly improved conversations around cinematography, and he has actually become a major impact for many modern cinematographers.

"In the Mood for Doyle" is a testimony to the charming and ingenious figure of Christopher Doyle. The movie explores his journey, highlighting his distinct method to cinematography, his essential cooperations, and his lasting impact. Regardless of some criticisms, the documentary makes a strong case for Doyle as one of the most essential contemporary cinematographers.

Top Cast

  • Christopher Doyle (small)
    Christopher Doyle
    Himself
  • Wong Kar-wai (small)
    Wong Kar-wai
    Himself
  • Olivier Assayas (small)
    Olivier Assayas
    Himself
  • Fruit Chan (small)
    Fruit Chan
    Himself
  • Wouter Barendrecht
    Himself
  • Bai Ling (small)
    Bai Ling
    Self
  • Karen Mok (small)
    Karen Mok
    Self
  • Gus Van Sant (small)
    Gus Van Sant
    Self
  • M. Night Shyamalan (small)
    M. Night Shyamalan
    Self