You know your work is valued when people are scared to lose you. Mexican cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto is one such significant person in the Hollywood industry, where legendary filmmakers hail him for his impeccable work. Prieto’s contribution to the cinematic world has been commendable, and legendary filmmakers, from Martin Scorsese to Greta Gerwig, all have high regard for his work. Now, the cinematographer has decided to expand his boundaries by making his directorial debut with the adaptation of Juan Rulfo’s seminal novel, “Pedro Paramo.”
Rodrigo Prieto’s work is in high demand by the most celebrated filmmakers in the film industry
Rodrigo Prieto is one of the most respected and acclaimed cinematographers in the world. He is known for his meticulous compositions, unconventional camerawork, sharp sense of playing with colors and creating a moving, visceral experience for the audience.Â
Though he is a cinematographer, his presence means the world to his collaborators. Prieto is like a “Jack of all traits,” this isn’t what I say but what frequent collaborator Martin Scorsese feels about him. Whenever Scorsese has found himself in a problem, he has always had Prieto for his aid. Scorsese describes Prieto’s dedication by saying, “He always delivers — he interprets what I’m asking for, and he brings it to life. He’s always positive, and he thinks and works quickly. And absolutely nothing stops him.”Â
Throughout his career, Prieto has worked with many prominent directors, including Ang Lee, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Spike Lee, and Greta Gerwig.Â
Each one of them has something or the other to share about Prieto, as whosoever he has collaborated with, he has made an impact on them with his friendly attitude. His collaborator in films like “Brokeback Mountain” and “Lust, Caution,” Ang Lee states that he is not only a great cinematographer, but he adapts himself according to the specific requirements and personalities of the people he works with. He said, “He’s emotionally supportive. There were times when I was having a meltdown, and he was just there for me. There’s so much pressure when you’re making a movie, and there’s this expectation that you need to be in control, telling the crew to do this or that. And he helps me think things through and build out what I see in my mind.”
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Oscar-winning filmmaker Iñárritu praises his talent and remarks, “He not only has complete mastery of his craft but also a deep understanding of the emotional territory to which he must subordinate all his extraordinary technique.”
No matter how hard the task is, if it’s in the hands of Prieto, consider it done. The Oscars’ favorite film, Barbie, is visually pleasing, and the credits for its visual aesthetics go to Prieto.Â
The lead actress and producer of the film, Margot Robbie, reflected on his work and said while appreciating his hard work, “Rodrigo had probably the hardest job trying to diffuse the pink. Every shot of Barbie is backlit or inside lit, which gives you a beautiful effect, but you have to be a very talented kind of cinematographer to be able to play with light in that way. He had to keep covering everything that was out of frame in gray felt to stop it bouncing off all the pink.”
It’s indeed his talent and dedication to the craft that he is highly demanded in the industry. However, Prieto is not done yet, as he goes on to expand his boundaries, and now he will be helming his first feature film, “Pedro Paramo.” It is based on a seminal work of magical realism by Juan Rulfo, which in turn inspired an influential 1967 movie from Carlos Velo, and now it will be re-created by Prieto.Â
The 58-year-old cinematographer says, “I see myself as a filmmaker and storyteller even when my role is only being in charge of the cinematography of a movie. Directing gives me additional tools to express how I perceive and experience the world around me and how it makes me feel.”
“Pedro Paramo” is a classic by Rulfo about a haunted village. The story revolves around a man’s strange quest for his heritage.Â
