On the Heterogeneity of Cinematography in the Films of Aki Kaurismäki

Aki Kaurismäki’s feature length fictional films are often discussed as a stylistically homogenous group, even though it has not been examined whether his films are alike. Because critics have looked for similarities, they have neglected whatever differences there may be between the films. This article tests the prevailing arguments about the cinematographic style of Kaurismäki’s films in a quantitative analysis of shot lengths, camera movements, reverse angles, point of view shots and shot scales. The analysis indicates what the significant cinematographic similarities and changes are, and that there are notable trends in the change. In so doing this article complicates and refutes arguments that critics have made about Kaurismäki’s style. It is further suggested that the mismatch between impression and fact is best explained by analyzing the parts of Kaurismäki's style that “stand out” and the reasons why they do so.Peer reviewe