The film “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die,” directed by Gore Verbinski and shot on location in South Africa, showcases exceptional visual storytelling. Cinematographer James Whitaker creates a haunting atmosphere with his distinctive color palette, designed to contrast the satirical elements of Matthew Robinson’s screenplay.
Whitaker’s collaboration with director Verbinski allowed him to maximize his creative vision, making the film an enjoyable experience despite its challenging shoot schedule. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, and Juno Temple, as they navigate a group of strangers brought together by an unhinged time traveler.
The visually stunning set recreates Los Angeles in South Africa, with careful planning allowing Whitaker to manage his resources effectively on the film’s 35-70 set-up days. The climactic sequence showcases Whitaker’s lighting skills, requiring him to plan and execute a massive scene with hundreds of storyboards.
Overall, “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” is an impressive achievement in visual storytelling, demonstrating the creative partnership between director Verbinski and cinematographer Whitaker.
Source: https://www.indiewire.com/features/craft/good-luck-have-fun-dont-die-cinematography-interview-1235177918