Paolo Sorrentino

Directing style

Sorrentino frames his dramatic narratives primarily from a neutral, eye-level perspective, favoring medium shots and wide compositions over close-ups to capture isolated characters within their environments. He relies heavily on shallow depth of field to isolate subjects within dim, interior night scenes, which are illuminated primarily by practical fixtures, direct sunlight, or window light. This atmospheric quality is reinforced by a palette that balances deep blacks and stark whites with muted olive greens, cold teals, and earthy terracotta tones, often rendered through a cool, desaturated color grade.