Did you know that Giovanni Ribisi received a special 'Thank You' credit at the end of Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film titled One Battle After Another? This might just seem like a quirky detail, but it shines a light on the intriguing behind-the-scenes elements that contribute to the magic of filmmaking.
Set to be one of the standout films of 2025, One Battle After Another has garnered acclaim from critics, yet many remain unaware of the captivating backstory that plays a role in its success. An important aspect that sets PTA’s latest cinematic endeavor apart is its exclusive use of the VistaVision format for filming. This particular technique hasn't been employed for an entire feature since 1961’s One-Eyed Jacks. Finding the necessary materials for VistaVision is no easy task, which adds to its rarity.
Enter Giovanni Ribisi, who is not just known for his notable roles in films like Avatar, where he passionately sought after Unobtanium, or his endearing character as Phoebe’s brother in Friends, but who also harbors a profound enthusiasm for analog film. This passion has led him to become a Director of Photography in recent years, most notably collaborating with J.T. Mollner on the film Strange Darling.
Ribisi’s dedication to the analog medium has recently manifested in his restoration of VistaVision cameras, which he generously lent to Paul Thomas Anderson for the creation of this remarkable film. According to Ribisi, "The last 35mm camera that was built, the one that people really use, was almost 25 years ago." He expresses concern that formats like VistaVision may slip into obscurity if they aren’t properly maintained and utilized. This fixation of his catalyzed Anderson's efforts to rejuvenate this beautiful yet delicate filmmaking tool.
Are you familiar with what VistaVision entails? What other hidden gems might Giovanni Ribisi be keeping in his filmmaking arsenal? Do you think filming One Battle After Another in VistaVision added an extra layer of intensity to the viewer's experience? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and feel free to suggest other films that could benefit from the rich, immersive quality of VistaVision.
