ASC Unveils List of 100 Milestone Films in Cinematography

Top 10 include Lawrence of Arabia, Blade Runner and Apocalypse Now

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American Society of Cinematographers

Jan 08, 2019, 14:23 ET

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Jan. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), an elite professional organization comprising cinematographers at the top of their field, celebrates its 100^th anniversary today. To mark the occasion, the society released their members' list of 100 Milestone Films in the art and craft of cinematography of the 20^th century. The list is the first of its kind to showcase the best of cinematography as selected by professional cinematographers.

The list culminates in a Top 10 (with the other 90 titles unranked). They are:

A lasting milestone in epic filmmaking, Sam Spiegel’s production invaded the Arabian Desert for two years of grueling shooting. The resulting picture clearly illustrates the harsh, desolate conditions under which director David Lean, “lighting cameraman” (the British equivalent of the cinematographer) Freddy Young, BSC and their entire cast and crew toiled. The result was well worth their efforts, the rich colors of the landscape captured in glorious Super Panavision 70 and Technicolor.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962), shot by Freddie Young, BSC (Dir. David Lean)
Blade Runner (1982), shot by Jordan Cronenweth, ASC (Dir. Ridley Scott)
Apocalypse Now (1979), shot by Vittorio Storaro, ASC, AIC (Dir. Francis Ford Coppola)
Citizen Kane (1941), shot by Gregg Toland, ASC (Dir. Orson Welles)
The Godfather (1972), shot by Gordon Willis, ASC (Dir. Francis Ford Coppola)
Raging Bull (1980), shot by Michael Chapman, ASC (Dir. Martin Scorsese)
The Conformist (1970), shot by Vittorio Storaro, ASC, AIC (Dir. Bernardo Bertolucci)
Days of Heaven (1978), shot by Néstor Almendros, ASC (Dir. Terrence Malick)
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), shot by Geoffrey Unsworth, BSC with additional photography by John Alcott, BSC (Dir. Stanley Kubrick)
The French Connection (1971), shot by Owen Roizman, ASC (Dir. William Friedkin)

The list was voted on by ASC members who wanted to call attention to the most significant achievements of the cinematographer's art. The selected films represent a range of styles, eras and visual artistry, but most importantly, it commemorates films that are inspirational to ASC members and have exhibited enduring influence on generations of filmmakers.

Founded by 15 cinematographers in 1919, the ASC has been a professional cornerstone for the men and women who oversee the photography of motion pictures and television through the masterful manipulation of lighting, composition, color and camera movement.

The full list of 100 films — along with photos and extended captions for the Top 10 — can be found on the American Cinematographer Instagram and Facebook accounts, and at www.theasc.com.

About the American Society of Cinematographers
The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art of cinematography. Celebrating its centennial in 2019, the association continues its commitment to educating aspiring filmmakers and others about the art and craft of cinematography – a mission established by the founding members in 1919.

SOURCE American Society of Cinematographers