Crime Films with a Twist: Experimental Cinematography

Description: While not entirely experimental, the film's famous car chase scene, shot with a handheld camera, was groundbreaking for its time, adding a raw, documentary-like feel to the crime genre.

Fact: The chase scene was filmed without permits, adding to its authenticity.

Description: Paul Schrader's film uses a stark, documentary-like style to explore the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, employing a narrative that feels both experimental and gritty.

Fact: Schrader wrote the script after being inspired by the film "The Searchers."

Description: Steven Soderbergh's film uses a fragmented narrative and non-linear editing to reflect the protagonist's disorientation and quest for vengeance, making it a standout in experimental crime cinema.

Fact: The film's editing was inspired by the French New Wave, particularly the work of Jean-Luc Godard.

Description: The Coen Brothers' noir film employs a black-and-white palette and a deliberate, slow pace to create an experimental atmosphere, blending crime with existential themes.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to evoke the feel of classic film noir, with the Coens using a special film stock to achieve the desired look.

Description: Nicolas Winding Refn's exploration of the dark side of the modeling industry uses highly stylized visuals and experimental lighting to create an eerie, dream-like atmosphere.

Fact: The film was shot in Los Angeles, with Refn stating he wanted to capture the city's "dark, neon-lit underbelly."

Description: This documentary uses experimental reenactments by former Indonesian death squad leaders to explore their crimes, blending reality with surreal, staged scenes to chilling effect.

Fact: The film was shot over six years, with the directors initially unsure if the project would ever be completed.

Description: Peter Greenaway's film is known for its elaborate set design and the use of color to signify different locations, creating a visually experimental backdrop for its crime and revenge plot.

Fact: The film was shot entirely on a sound stage, with the restaurant set being the largest ever built for a film at the time.

Description: This film by Gaspar Noé is told in reverse chronological order, creating a disorienting and visceral experience that challenges the viewer's perception of time and morality in crime narratives.

Fact: The film was shot in just 13 days, with the entire script being filmed in order from end to beginning.

Description: Gaspar Noé's psychedelic journey through Tokyo's underworld employs a first-person perspective, with the camera acting as the eyes of the deceased protagonist, offering an experimental take on crime and existentialism.

Fact: The film took over a decade to complete due to its complex visual effects and shooting techniques.

Description: This Belgian thriller uses a kaleidoscope of visual styles, from giallo to surrealism, to tell a story of murder and mystery, pushing the boundaries of conventional crime storytelling.

Fact: The film was inspired by the works of Dario Argento and Mario Bava, known for their experimental horror and thriller films.