Benjamin Kracun, cinematographer of Promising Young Woman, on shooting the dark comedy and working with director/writer Emerald Fennell

The film Promising Young Woman is many things: a dark
comedy-noir-thriller-revenge fantasy, and even part romantic
comedy. The film centers on Cassie, a smart and complicated
character seeking revenge on men who prey on drunk women.
Cinematographer Benjamin Kračun first met director and writer
Emerald Fennell while working on a short video project together.
Fennell mentioned she was working on a feature project, and she
eventually contacted Ben to let him know she had funding and was
ready to shoot. Fennell had seen one of Ben's previous films,
Beast, which she felt had a similar sensibility. Once Fennell sent
the script, Ben read it and found himself completely hooked. He
found it very exciting because it was so unlike any Hollywood
script he'd seen- a taut thriller, but a fun and enjoyable popcorn
movie with elements of romantic comedy. He could see that the film
would spark a cultural discussion afterward. For their first
meeting, Ben put together images and ideas of what he thought the
movie would look like- very dark, dramatic looks from films such as
Gone Girl and Magnolia. Fennell came with a look book for a film
full of pastel colors and the main character, Cassie, would dress
in bright, happy colors. Ben was surprised at first, but Emerald
had a very specific point of view for what she wanted. It was very
clear from the beginning that it was Emerald's vision and her
voice, even though it was her first feature film. Ben likes having
specificity at all times from the director, and you can see when a
movie has carefully thought through everything. Cassie is in
disguise, working at a bright coffee shop by day, and playing
different drunk girl roles at night, planning for something bigger.
Using the pastel palette in the film takes Promising Young Woman a
step away from reality, and hides the darkest undertones of what is
really going on, and the audience doesn't see what's coming. You
can pay to see Promising Young Woman streaming on VOD services.
Find Benjamin Kračun: https://benjaminkracun.com/ Instagram:
@benkracun Find out even more about this episode, with extensive
show notes and links: http://camnoir.com/ep116/ Sponsored by Hot
Rod Cameras: www.hotrodcameras.com Website: www.camnoir.com
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