The American Friend (D.O.P. Robby Müller) w/ Peter Merriman

Sep. 4

Felicia is joined by Peter Merriman to discuss Robby Müller’s groundbreaking work The American Friend (Wim Wenders 1977).

They chat about Müller’s ability to manipulate natural light to best suit the mood of the scene. How the framing builds tension between the characters and their multi-city settings.

This is the first series on a cinematographer, and although the films are directed by different artists, my guests and I will be diving into each one through Müller’s lense.

Send us your thoughts on the episode - what are scenes that stand out the most to you? What are your thoughts on Müller’s use of natural light? Let us know by sending us a message on any of our social platforms or by email: seeingfacesinmovies@gmail.com

Sources:

Wim Wenders’s High Plains Grifter - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

https://filmobsessive.com/film/film-analysis/film-genres/art-house/the-american-friend-beyond-the-frame-of-life-2/

The American Friend movie review (1977) | Roger Ebert

The American Friend (1977) | The Criterion Collection

Remembering Robby Müller, NSC, BVK - The American Society of Cinematographers (en-US) (theasc.com)

Master of light : Robby Müller Cinematographer (autocraticforthepeople.com)

Wim Wenders Thinks The American Dream is a European Export, and MAGA, a Maddening Spectacle - GARAGE (vice.com)

The American Friend – [FILMGRAB] (film-grab.com)

The American Friend Blu-ray - Dennis Hopper (dvdbeaver.com)

Douglas Hart’s Top 10 | Current | The Criterion Collection

(61) Der Amerikanische Freund OST (1977) | Jürgen Knieper - YouTube - Harpisord/Flute piece referenced in the episode