Eerie environments, strategic use of light and shadow, and visual tension are essential in creating the terror that grips audiences. At the core of this process are cinematographers, artists who mold light and darkness to evoke intense emotions. Here’s our top 10 list of cinematographers who have left an indelible mark on horror cinema.
Darius Khondji: Middle Eastern Visual Aesthetics
Darius Khondji is one of the most influential and respected cinematographers in contemporary cinema. Born on October 21, 1955, in Tehran, Iran, to a French mother and an Iranian father, Khondji has a multicultural background that deeply influenced his artistic sensitivity. Growing up between Iran and France, and later trained in the United States, Khondji developed a unique style that blends European, Middle Eastern, and American influences, creating a distinctive visual aesthetic that has made him a prominent figure in global cinema.