Rian Johnson's Gothic 'Knives Out' Goes Dark

Rian Johnson's latest film, 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' delves into a gothic visual territory, moving away from the cozy ambiance of its predecessor. Cinematographer Steve Yedlin highlights his long-standing collaboration with Johnson, emphasizing their shared goal of immersing audiences in the characters' experiences.

The production design features a stunning gothic church, Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, which Yedlin describes as his favorite set. This visually rich environment, with its nooks, corners, and strong lines, allowed for creative exploration of light and shadow to underscore the film's darker themes and plot developments.

Yedlin employed advanced, custom software to precisely control lighting cues, enabling both planned dramatic moments and spontaneous improvisations that complemented the actors' performances. This meticulous approach to cinematography ensures that the visual storytelling powerfully conveys the ensemble's dynamics and the inherent menace within the film's setting.