We Need to Talk About Emmy #26: Mattias Nyberg on the subjectivity of 'The Girlfriend'
We Need to Talk About Oscar · Áron Czapek
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Show Notes
Cinematographer Mattias Nyberg joins us to discuss his work on episodes 1-3 of 'The Girlfriend,' directed by Robin Wright. Mattias reveals what drew him to the project - the opportunity to collaborate with Wright, whose directorial vision he'd long admired - and how they developed a visual language that serves the story's emotional core.
Our conversation explores Mattias's tailored approach to capturing the dual perspectives of Laura and Cherry, deliberately avoiding neutral shots to position viewers within each character's distinct emotional landscape. He discusses the technical challenges of shooting in constrictive yet stunning locations, from London's Sanderson house to a Spanish villa, where spatial limitations sparked creative innovation in camera movement and staging.
Mattias delves into specific visual choices, particularly the hospital sequences where he introduced warm colors into typically sterile environments to enhance emotional complexity. His reflections on using extended shot lengths to build tension and deepen feeling demonstrate the delicate balance between technical precision and emotional storytelling.