10 Best Roger Deakins Movies

7. O'Brother Where Art Thou

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Universal Studios

Having first worked together on Barton Fink, Deakins has collaborated with Ethan and Joel Coen 12 times in total.

Some of their best work is on full display in this 2000 crime comedy. The cinematography perfectly accompanies the bizarre nature of O'Brother Where Art Thou.

Most impressively of all, the trio decided to change entire colour grade of the movie. While changing the colour grade was nothing new to film-making, it was primarily used in big budget, special effects, driven productions and only utilised in a couple of scenes at most, not in Coen Brothers features.

At the time it was a considerable risk, but Deakins, ever the master of his craft, pulled it off, allowing O'Brother to feel like it was filmed in the 1930s and to completely standout from the crowd.

It wasn't enough to sway Academy voters though, losing out to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

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.