Stunning Cinematography Elevates “Woman King” — A Masterpiece of Light, Color, and Representation

Sentamu Phillip
3 min readFeb 3, 2023

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Courtesy of Sony Pictures

“Woman King” boasts some of the most breathtaking cinematography seen on screen in recent years. The film is set in an African kingdom, and the cinematography captures the unique beauty and wonder of the setting with stunning detail. The film’s use of natural light creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while also adding depth and texture to each shot. This helps to bring the audience into the world of the film and immerse them in the story.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

The color palette used in “Woman King” is bold and striking, with the filmmakers making creative use of the lush greens, warm oranges, and deep blues of the African landscape. Polly Morgan’s use of color helps to emphasize the themes of the film, such as power, tradition, and conflict. The sweeping landscape shots are particularly awe-inspiring, providing a sense of the grandeur and majesty of the kingdom.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

One of the standout elements of the cinematography in “Woman King” is the shot composition. Polly Morgan expertly balances close-ups and wide shots to create a visual rhythm that complements the film’s story. The close-ups add emotional intensity to key scenes, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The wide shots, on the other hand, provide a sense of scale and scope, highlighting the significance of the events unfolding on screen.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

The cinematography in “Woman King” also deserves recognition for its handling of shooting on black skin. The filmmakers show a clear understanding of the challenges that come with capturing the beauty and texture of dark skin on camera. Polly Morgan makes use of lighting techniques that flatter the actors’ skin tones, avoiding the common pitfall of washing out black skin or making it appear flat and dull. This is an important aspect of representation in film, and the success of the cinematography in this regard is a testament to the filmmakers’ commitment to accurately and respectfully portraying black characters on screen.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

Polly Morgan’s attention to detail when shooting on black skin is especially evident in the close-ups, where the intricate details of the actors’ faces are beautifully captured. This allows the audience to fully appreciate the nuanced performances of the actors and connect with the characters on an emotional level. The filmmakers’ care in handling this aspect of the cinematography is an example of the importance of inclusiveness and representation in film, and it has a profound impact on the viewing experience.

Courtesy of Sony Pictures

The cinematography in “Woman King” demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the complexities of shooting on black skin. The filmmakers have made a conscious effort to accurately and respectfully capture the beauty of the actors’ skin tones, and the result is a visual feast that elevates the film to new heights.

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Sentamu Phillip
Sentamu Phillip

Written by Sentamu Phillip

Director, Cinematographer, Colorist & Alumni of NYFA

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