What is the best film shot by Gordon Willis?

The Prince of Darkness lit gangster epics, neurotic New York comedies and paranoid thrillers with the same fearless command of shadow. From sepia-soaked sagas to stark black-and-white, which frame wins? Cast your vote!

1

The Godfather

Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 crime epic, famed for Willis's shadowy, amber-toned 'prince of darkness' lighting.

1000pts

2

The Godfather Part II

Coppola's 1974 sequel, where Willis's sepia period scenes and chiaroscuro deepened the saga's visual language.

817pts

3

The Parallax View

Pakula's 1974 paranoia thriller, noted for Willis's bold compositions and ominous use of negative space.

743pts

4

Zelig

Allen's 1983 mockumentary, where Willis painstakingly recreated vintage newsreel and photographic styles.

733pts

5

Interiors

Allen's austere 1978 drama, lit by Willis in cool, muted tones echoing Ingmar Bergman.

733pts

6

The Godfather Part III

The 1990 conclusion to the trilogy, with Willis returning to complete the family's operatic saga.

681pts

7

Pennies from Heaven

The 1981 musical drama whose lavish, painterly imagery earned Willis an Oscar nomination.

619pts

8

Klute

Alan J. Pakula's 1971 neo-noir thriller, an early showcase of Willis's daring use of darkness and shadow.

619pts

9

All the President's Men

The 1976 Watergate thriller, where Willis used deep focus and stark fluorescent light to evoke newsroom realism.

619pts

10

Presumed Innocent

Pakula's 1990 legal thriller starring Harrison Ford, given a tense, shadowed look by Willis.

619pts

11

Broadway Danny Rose

Allen's 1984 comedy shot in grainy black-and-white, a warm character study lensed by Willis.

619pts

12

Manhattan

Allen's 1979 black-and-white love letter to New York, among Willis's most celebrated cinematography.

545pts

13

Annie Hall

Woody Allen's 1977 romantic comedy, lit by Willis with naturalistic intimacy that won Best Picture.

454pts

14

The Purple Rose of Cairo

Allen's 1985 fantasy about a film character stepping off the screen, glowingly photographed by Willis.

454pts