Interview: Giovanni Ribisi Discusses ‘Strange Darling’ and His Passion for Cinematography

Even if you don’t know his name off the bat, you have definitely seen Giovanni Ribisi’s work. From his supporting roles in classics like Saving Private Ryan and Lost in Translation, to his slimy CEO introducing the concept of Unobtanium in Avatar, to his current position as the primary antagonist of Kevin Costner’s ongoing Horizon saga, Ribisi is a veteran character actor who’s been gracing our screens in one memorable role after another for decades.

What many of his fans were surprised to learn this year (myself included) was that, for years now, Ribisi has also been pursuing a healthy curiosity for the world of cinematography. After studying and learning from the many DPs he’s worked with over the course of his career, the actor has been quietly developing his skills behind the camera, building an impressive portfolio of commercials and music videos in the process.

Things really took the next step when Ribisi connected with writer/director J.T. Mollner. The two quickly bonded over their shared love of grindhouse cinema and the magic of celluloid. Eventually, they decided to join forces for this year’s indie horror/thriller Strange Darling, marking Ribisi’s feature debut as a director of photography. The twisted story of a serial killer and their prey received glowing critical acclaim upon its release in the fall, with many praising the visuals as a particular highlight. In my rave review of the film, I said this of his work:

“Shooting on 35mm, he bathes the film in a vibrant, colorful glow that recalls cinema of the ‘70s, falling somewhere in-between the grungy aesthetics of grindhouse and the thoughtful polish of more prestige fare. The way that shafts of light cut through a forest, the way cigarette smoke dances around a room, the way a blue neon sign illuminates the actors’ faces, the way a split-diopter shot communicates crucial information that we don’t understand until later. This is some top-tier cinematography.”

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Ribisi about his contributions to the film. We discussed his influences as a DP and on the look of the film itself, what it was about Strange Darling that attracted him to the project, the unique working dynamic that exists between actors and cinematographers, and much more.

You can view our full conversation below.

Strange Darling is currently available to rent or buy on VOD.