10 Best Roger Deakins Movies

From Skyfall to Shawshank, a look at the most beautiful movies filmed by Roger Deakins.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Warner Bros.

It is crazy to think that nearly 43 years after his first film, cinematographer Roger Deakins is only now getting the credit he deserves.

After picking up his first Oscar nod in 1994 for The Shawshank Redemption, it would take another 24 years and 13 nominations (including one year where he was nominated twice), for the Academy Awards to finally give him the golden statuette.

Deakins is considered one of the greatest and most influential cinematographers in movie history, thanks to his ability to turn ordinary stories into eye-popping works of art. Whether it's a thriller, western or even an animation made for kids, Deakins consistently makes movies that have to be seen on the big screen.

With his latest work on 1917, Deakins' is once again the frontrunner for Best Cinematography at this years' Oscars, but is it his best looking film?

10. Nineteen Eighty-Four

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
20th Century Fox

One of the earliest films he worked on, Deakins helps translate the feeling of dread and hopelessness in bringing George Orwell's iconic novel to the big screen.

While Orwell's vision did not come to pass (what a relief that is), director Michael Radford and Deakins were able to bring to life the bleak world where Big Brother is always watching us and 2 + 2 = 5, despite a limited budget.

After studios blocked the idea of filming in black and white, Deakins used a technique known as bleach bypass on every frame to give the movie its distinctive washed out appearance.

The shot of Winston Smith (played by John Hurt) walking through the door of Room 101 and seeing the luscious green countryside holds up as one of of his best shots to date.

Contributor
Contributor

22-year-old journalism graduate from Croydon. When I'm not moaning about or singing the praises of Doctor Who or a great film or two, I'm (unsuccessfully) looking for a job or setting up a podcast. Again usually unsuccessfully.