This article explores the impact and legacy of the series House of Cards, highlighting its role in the rise of streaming platforms and its innovative cinematography.
Since the rise of the internet, we've been continually discovering and learning about its seemingly endless possibilities.
The web has transformed many industries: business, personal and corporate relationships, education, technology, and entertainment.
A New Way to Watch TV
Our way of watching TV has also undergone a complete transformation. First, we had YouTube, which started as a platform for uploading and sharing videos. But it quickly evolved into much more. Many individuals and companies recognized its potential not just for entertainment, but also for business. With music, tutorials, films, programs, and experimentation available quickly and with minimal restrictions, YouTube has become a major platform for the distribution of audiovisual content.
With improved data transmission quality and better connectivity, video on demand (VOD) platforms emerged. These services offer a wide variety of films and TV series, accessible on multiple devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, anytime, anywhere. Netflix, the pioneer of this model, found inevitable success, expanding beyond the United States with Brazil being one of its first test markets.
The Rise of Original Streaming Content
The next bold move was launching original content created exclusively for these platforms. The first original series produced by Netflix was the 2013 release of House of Cards.
Created by Beau Willimon, the show tells the story of Congressman Francis Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey) and his wife Claire Underwood (portrayed by Robin Wright). Their ultimate ambition is to reach the highest political office in the world: the presidency of the United States. Backed by key allies, the pair will stop at nothing to achieve their goal, regardless of ethics or scruples. Besides the stellar performances and gripping plot, two other elements stand out in the series.
The first is the unique interaction between the main character and the audience. On several occasions, Francis breaks the fourth wall, turning to the camera to address the viewer directly. The second standout element is the unforgettable opening sequence, which many of us usually skip when watching shows. However, with House of Cards, it’s tempting to watch the intro every time.
The Iconic Opening of House of Cards
The opening sequence was created by Drew Geraci, using a series of time-lapses captured over six months (from March to August 2012). These shots were taken at some of the most iconic locations associated with power in Washington, D.C., featuring public buildings, monuments, and landmarks in the U.S. capital. The imagery alternates between day and night, showing avenues and railway lines, capturing the passage of time with travelling shots, sunlight movements, and rolling clouds.
Curiously, there’s not a single person shown in the entire sequence. Instead, we only see cars and the looming presence of buildings and monuments. Combined with a stunning soundtrack by Jeff Beal, the opening scene leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.
The Legacy of House of Cards
Hundreds of time-lapse photos come together to set the tone for this powerful series. If you're curious, you can even research the locations featured in the show's intro.
Despite its initial success, the series came to an anticlimactic end due to the involvement of its lead actor in a sexual harassment scandal, coinciding with the #MeToo movement. Nonetheless, House of Cards remains a milestone in the shift toward streaming platforms as a new form of entertainment. Since its success, hundreds of series and films have been produced by various companies for streaming.
At Bendita Filmes, we understand the importance of cinematography in videos of all formats. Contact us today and request a quote for your company’s video production needs.
Conclusion
House of Cards not only shaped the future of streaming but also set a new standard for original content on video-on-demand platforms. It showcased the power of storytelling, technology, and creative cinematography.
If you need help from audiovisual and marketing experts, contact Bendita Filmes.
Autor:
Raul de Goes - Diretor de Fotografia
Falando da imagem e de quem faz imagem.
Comments