As he prepares to walk the red carpet once more, Ireland’s-own Oscar nominated cinematographer Robbie Ryan still ‘can’t believe’ he gets to make a living capturing the greatest actors in the world.
The Dubliner is up for his second Academy Award for his work on the latest film from Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things, having been previously nominated in 2019 for The Favourite.
Ryan told the Irish Mail on Sunday that it ‘happens all the time’ that he’s left stunned by the performance of a world-class movie actor in real time, but that is why he loves his job.
YORGOS LANTHIMOS AND ROBBIE RYAN ON THE SET OF POOR THINGS PIC: SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
He said: ‘I’m filming people who are totally involved and immersed in the character they’re playing and to be watching that on the camera is the best place to be, because I’m right in front of it. I’m blessed with that job. I can’t believe I’ve got it.’
The celebrated cinematographer added that this latest Oscar nod ‘feels a bit more rare because the film did so well in the nominations,’ with Poor Things earning a whopping 11 nominations overall, including Best Picture.
Ryan said the acclaimed film felt like ‘a special project right from the get go’, adding, ‘To be amongst all the other craftspeople together and all the producers and the actors and all, it just feels like a very community award for our film. And the fact that it’s such a crazy film and it’s getting such love is just wonderful.’
EMMA STONE IN POOR THINGS PIC: YORGOS LANTHIMOS/SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
The 53-year-old is now Lanthimos’s go-to cinematographer and was enlisted to shoot the Greek director’s upcoming Kinds Of Kindness in New Orleans, with production taking place in 2022. The film stars Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Plemons and Margaret Qualley.
Robbie described Kinds of Kindness: ‘It’s kind of three films in one and the characters in each film are played by the same actors, even though they’re different characters. It’s in the edit process, so hopefully that may come out later this year.’
As for working with Yorgos Lanthimos on so many occasion, the Irishman referred to him as ‘a true gent’ as well as ‘enigmatic’ and ‘knowledgeable of what he wants’.
YORGOS LANTHIMOS AND ROBBIE RYAN PIC: ROCCO SPAZIANI/ARCHIVIO SPAZIANI/MONDADORI PORTFOLIO VIA GETTY IMAGES
‘He’s what you want from a director really,’ Ryan continued. ‘He runs the show. He pushes you in a way that you really have to try and do the best you can, but it’s not done with tension. It’s all done through a collaborative, creative sort of sensibility. He’s a very special guy and he’s a very talented man.’
Robbie Ryan’s high standing in the industry allows him to choose his projects from ‘a set of people I would know or like’ which is a fortunate position to be in.
‘I’ve been very blessed to work with the same directors a few times. So if somebody like Yorgos gives me a ring to ask me on to the next one, I’m on it like a shot,’ he shared.
EMMA STONE IN POOR THINGS PIC: YORGOS LANTHIMOS/SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
‘I’m really lucky to have people who I totally love working with and they’re making a few films every couple of years.’
He isn’t limiting his projects to only those he’s worked with before though, and when considering a new collaboration, his decision is ‘down to the script’.
‘If the script is something that interests me, then I would be pushing myself to try and get work on that. The third part of it is timing. So if you’ve got time to do it, then hopefully the script is good and the director’s fun.’
