Film & Digital times interview
In depth interview with Jon Fauer at Film & Digital Times for Garrett’s work on the feature film, WALTZING WITH BRANDO.
CINEMATOGRAPHY WORLD interview
“Garrett O’Brien is a much in-demand cinematographer who loves a challenge and tackling a wide variety of projects, as evidenced by his current films; BAD MAN a hardcore action-comedy, and WALTZING WITH BRANDO, a whimsical biopic about the enigmatic Hollywood legend.”
sony cine interview
“Using the Sony VENICE 2, O'Brien raced against a fast-paced production schedule, fought unpredictable tropical weather, and overcame limited lighting resources to craft a stunning visual spectacle with light that bounced off ocean water.”
behind the lens review
“Just when you think you’ve seen the most exquisite image ever, O’Brien dazzles us with something else: a breathtaking sequestered waterfall, a panoramic vista of a light blue sky meeting light blue water with white sand, and a solitary figure of Brando in the distance. Breathtaking beauty and striking metaphors for Brando and his world.”
Variety Screening series
“the film has become a rite of passage for cinematographers. “You have to understand what shadows and light and dark mean, and what framing can mean and being in the power of stillness.” - Garrett O’Brien
following films podcast
listen in on Chris’ in depth interview with the cinematographer, Garrett O’Brien for his work on the film, WALTZING WITH BRANDO to hear about the incredible lengths that the team went through to bring one of the most famous actors of all time to the big screen in Tahiti.
frame & reference podcast
technical deep dive in Garrett O’Brien’s method for creating striking visual images and the technical means to achieve his director’s visions.
quotes
“Fortunately, because of the subject matter and the brutal, yet somehow sensitive honesty with which it was presented, not to mention the striking cinematography and a powerfully strong script, Page and Eftimoski (not just co-workers, but also best friends), had no shortage of champions.”
“The photography is, nonetheless, beautiful, and I swoon to imagine what Deserted would have looked like on the cinema screen. In fact, Garrett O’Brien’s cinematography is so forbiddingly gorgeous that I was half way to planning my own trip to this deathly wonderland of purple skies and dramatic outcrops of rock, surely contradicting the narrative purpose of the film.”
“The cinematography by Garrett O’Brien takes full advantage of the location and lighting schemes in the desert sky, pulling images that look stunning and pull the viewer in. The way he frames the scenes and chooses the angles creates a look for the film that is soothing while being stunning.”
“The film is both stunning and unnerving much like the desert it takes place in. Honestly, the visuals are so appealing in this film it could have passed with even bad acting and sloppy writing. Fortunately, DESERTED isn’t weighed down by either... We are allowed to spend time with each of the characters and grow increasingly fond of them as the narrative reveals itself.”
““The cinematographer makes sure to include several shots of the beauty of the landscape, which makes the irony all more evident: normally this is the type of place to enjoy and admire, but these characters want nothing more than to escape their surroundings. This juxtaposition of expectations and reality serves to make the premise of the film that much more sinister.””