Visium: The Hidden Language of Images

There’s one question that never fails to make filmmakers squirm: What’s your story? It sounds simple, but the answer isn’t always obvious. In this episode of Visium, we unpack why that question is so hard to answer—and why it might be the most important one a filmmaker can ask.

We also explore why the screenplay doesn’t hand you the story outright. Like a music score awaiting interpretation, it’s the director’s job to find the emotional core. Story is not what’s written—it’s what’s discovered.  If you’ve ever wondered why some movies move you while others leave you cold (even when they’re technically perfect) this episode offers some answers. It challenges filmmakers to go beyond clarity, and instead, pursue feeling. Because audiences don’t need everything explained—they just need to feel something real.

So… what’s your story? And are you brave enough to find it?

Would you walk onto a stage in front of 500 people without knowing exactly what you want to say? Probably not. Yet, many filmmakers do something similar when they step onto set without a clear vision for their images. In this episode of Visium, we dive into what makes images in film truly work—not just as pretty pictures, but as powerful storytelling tools.

We start with legendary photographer Irving Penn’s approach to imagery: Every image has a purpose. Before picking up a camera, filmmakers need to ask—what is this image meant to do? From there, we break down the difference between a technical image and an effective one, and why even the most stunning shot won’t save a movie if it doesn’t serve the story.

We also tackle a big question in filmmaking: How much should a director control what the audience understands? Some filmmakers embrace ambiguity, but movies aren’t museums—viewers don’t arrive with a guidebook. Using 2001: A Space Odyssey and Pulp Fiction as examples, we explore how filmmakers shape expectations and guide audiences through their stories.

Finally, we define what a visual story really is: a journey that expresses a character’s transformation and reflects an idea. From Room to Inception, we break down how great movies bring meaning to their images.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create images that resonate, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let’s explore the language of cinematography together!

What makes an image truly unforgettable? Think of the Afghan Girl’s piercing stare, Muhammad Ali towering over his opponent, or Neo stopping bullets in The Matrix. These images don’t just capture a moment—they tell a story that sticks with us. But what’s the secret behind them?

In this first episode of Visium, Tal Lazar dives into the hidden language of images. Why do certain visuals resonate with millions while others fade away? Is there a formula, an invisible ingredient that makes an image powerful? From classic films to iconic photographs, we break down how composition, camera angles, and even subconscious cues shape meaning.

Filmmakers and visual artists often focus on gear (cameras, lenses, lighting) but real storytelling starts with understanding what an image is saying before worrying about how it was made. Using examples from The Wizard of Oz, The Great Train Robbery, and legendary photographer Irving Penn, this episode explores the key to creating images that don’t just look good but work.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, photographer, or just someone fascinated by visual storytelling, this episode will change the way you see images forever. Tune in to discover how to break down and build truly effective visuals—and maybe even start speaking the language of images yourself.