Note: Spoilers Ahead!!

Last Updated: February 14th, 2020

A few weeks ago, we finished watching the first two seasons of Stranger Things.

When we say we “watched” it, we really mean we binge watched it.

In a world where there are many, many shows constantly coming out – we really have no ability or care to keep up with everything. This is especially true when it comes to more serious shows running at an hour an episode. What we do decide to watch really has to hook us to keep our attention, and make us want to come back for more.

We had heard about Stranger Things through many friends who kept insisting it was “so great.” This was pretty clearly accentuated by it winning many awards and a lot of praise from critics. Taking all of these things into account, and pairing it with reading up on the background synopsis of the show – that it deals with a Lovecraftian world blended with serious drama, a little horror, and plenty of humor in a stylized, retro 80’s way – it just sounded like something that would suit our interests.

From the first episode, we were gripped by the show – and watched and watched until it was over.

As you might expect, along the way we couldn’t help but notice the cinematography – and how it really enhanced our viewing experience and like of the show. As photographers, we look at what is being conveyed in the images themselves, and can find deeper meaning than even a simple written story of the show could provide.

For today’s article, we’re going to have some fun and take a look at the bleak cinematography of Stranger Things. We’re going to look at some specific still frames and sequences, and break down just what makes them so gripping. We’ll be touching on some technical aspects of photography and cinematography that apply, as well as discuss composition of the frame. We’re sure we’ll throw in some personal storytelling into the mix, just to keep you entertained. 🙂

Get ready! It’s time for Stranger Things…

Background on Stranger Things Cinematography

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Before we give our thoughts and break down particular scenes from the show, a great starting point to get more into the mind of the show’s cinematographer, Tim Ives, is an interview he did with Deadline Hollywood. In it, he talks about how of his influences, the impact of using specialized camera gear to give the 70’s/80’s film feel (the RED Dragon if you’re interested), and some practical aspects of how controlling what is seen on screen has a lot to do with how the scene is controlled “in real life.”

Through watching the show, it is obvious there was a commitment to the presentation of it from episode to episode, as it sticks together so seamlessly and consistently – as if watching a really long movie. The creation and visualization of even alternative universes as are explored really adds a level of fantasy and intrigue that is a departure from the otherwise quite real feeling of the location.

“ The Upside Down, I believe, is anything that’s in that world that Eleven goes to when she’s in her unconscious state, whether it’s the black void or the Upside Down version of the woods. We did a test on a stage, and we wanted it to be really simple. It really came down to just being a cooler version, along with all the other effects that the effects department gave us—the spider webbing and all that stuff.”

— Tim Ives

It is powerful stuff, and makes for really compelling television in our experience.

Stranger Things Cinematography Stills – Breakdown

#1: Group Shot Framing Device

One of the repeated techniques used throughout Stranger Things is that of the group shot – primary highlighting the group of kids together. More than this, though, as can be seen in this picture is how focus is given to those with most “responsibility” within the scene. By using a carefully selected depth of field, this works to highlight Dustin as the central focus, while the expression of Eleven is almost as important – separately the responses of Mike and Lucas are overshadowed due to their position and blurriness within the shot.

#2). Light and Contrast

This shot is cool because of how lighting is used effectively to draw the eye to Eleven – the main focus of the shot. The lack of light in the background creates a photo that feels very disassociated from an environment, which itself lends itself to making the scene more about the people in the shot than the environment they are in.

#3). Intentional Blurring

In this still frame, the composition is setup in a significant way as a method of foreshadowing. Barb, seen on the right, is lightly blurred out due to the focus of the camera being placed in the middle of the scene on Steve. While it may be virtually unnoticeable while watching the show, it does provide some insight into the characters themselves. Barb’s placement in the scene displays her as the outsider to this group, which is in line with the story arc, and furthermore can even be viewed as a foreshadowing of her actual death on the show.

#4). Color Grading

One of the things Stranger Things does really well is getting color right to set the mood. As you might imagine, normally being outside in the rain (even in the dark) isn’t met with a significant amount of blue/green that we see in this image. This is because the post processing aspect of filmmaking (and by extension – photography) is hugely important to getting that cinematic feeling.

No doubt, in the way this show is produced set colors (from the environment to what the actors are wearing) are carefully chosen – but certain elements can be enhanced, changed, or altered in significant ways. While this rainy shot is a simple example of this, as you watch the show, make careful observations about just how consistent everything looks. It really helps to solidify the time period, and moodiness that comes from this sci-fi/fantasy show.

#5). The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is one of the most introductory photography tips around – if you take a photography 101 class, you are going to be hearing about this. With this said, there is a reason for this: it is a fundamental staple because of how it can create and hold interest. This is seen consistently throughout art in general.

In this particular scenario, the 3 kids serve as the 3 main points of interest. The overlapping points in the shot (namely: their legs/knees) tie this shot together and create more of a sense of closeness (both physically and psychologically). This pairs well with the responses on their face – as if just hearing dire news.

#6). Leading Lines and Receding DOF

This shot is so great because it is something that feels very candid, and would be in line with our style of photography in significant ways. It takes something as mundane as talking on the phone and makes it more interesting due to the perspective.

As before, the rule of thirds is used to great effect here, and places interesting subjects (or a lack of subject) on different viewing planes. In our eyes, these would be: the yellow telephone on the wall, Joyce in the center, and the receding hall way on the left. The latter of these functions similar to negative space – but in the context of the story it is actually more interesting.

The blurred out hallway receding into the background is a leading line. As we know, sometimes leading lines don’t lead anywhere, but in this case they draw our eyes towards the back room on the left. This room is highlighted by light coming from outside, which may very well have been intentionally placed as this room actually belongs to Will. This ties together the scene thematically – as Joyce is on the phone concerned about her son’s disappearance.

Whether done intentionally or not, it is an interesting observation to say the least.

#7). The Close Up

Close up shots can be used in many ways. Often throughout Stranger Things and other shows, they are used to convey strong emotions or highlight something particularly interesting or important to a character.

In this image, highlighted is the Pentax camera – which becomes integral to the story as it is used to capture interesting photographs of the creatures few would believe existed. It is also strongly connected to the character of Jonathan Byers (seen taking a picture with it here). This close up is further enhanced by using a wide open aperture to really blur out the background and force the attention on what’s right in front of our faces.

#8). The Effect of Multiple Cinematic Tools at Once

The last still shot we’re going to look at is this one – from a scene where Joyce & Jonathan are out looking for Will. There is a lot going on in this frame, even if it might seem like simple stuff.

The Rule of Thirds – placement of the two characters, and the fort in the background, really tie this shot together.
Color Grading – attention is drawn, first and foremost, to Jonathan with his bright blue coat. Joyce gets a little attention too, but it’s more muted with darker shades of blue and green. The rest of the scene is, mostly, comprised of browns and other desaturated colors. This is where we see how emphasis is given or taken away from different things in the frame.
Receding DOF – as we mentioned, primary focus is given to Jonathan – and the focus blurs the further you go back in the image. Joyce is mostly blurred, but a little more in focus than the fort behind her – which doesn’t even have legible writing on the signs by this point.

Like Stranger Things?

Tell us about some interesting cinematic tricks you’ve seen used in the show yourself. If you’re feeling really chatty, feel free to tell us about your favorite scene too…we’re definitely in discussion mode here while we wait eagerly for Season 3 to come out 🙂

Totally Obsessed with Stranger Things?

Now that Stranger Things Season 3 just dropped on Netflix, it’s a great time to get really into the world (Upside Down or not…). Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down: The Official Behind-the-Scenes Companion is one of the coolest books for nerds like us. It comes highly recommended, and might just be one of the best show companion books we’ve come across. What could have easily just been a quick cash grab by the studio actually ended up being really carefully crafted – a recommended buy from us if you love Stranger Things!

Let’s Talk About the Bleak Cinematography of Stranger Things