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My Top 5 Shots in Every Episode of TLOU
Episode 3
TW: Mass grave
Number #5
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the shallow depth of field in this show is SO freakin’ pretty. I love how it uses focus to lead your eye and how it creates subtle patterns in the background. I also love the side-profile of Bill and the rim-lighting. It’s just overall a really, really well done shot.
Number #4
I mean what to even say? The lighting. The blocking. The framing. It’s just absolutely incredible. The way this shot showcases emotion through all of those factors is extradorinaiy, it’s just extraordinary. It’s soft and melancholic and beautiful just like episode 3 itself.
Number #3
*sniffle* I’m gonna love you for a-a long *sob* long *wailing intensifies* time…
Number #2
This shot is absolutely breathtaking in the worst (and best) way. The bones in the foreground, Ellie and Joel in the mid ground, and the hills and sky in the background. It’s beautiful, it’s horrifying, it’s incredible—it’s the Last of Us.
Before I reveal my #1, here are some honorable mentions…
This shot is so good. The fallen plane, Ellie and Joel, it’s just so well done.
Once again, the shallow depth of field works so well here. The flames, the lighting, the composition, it just all blends so incredibly well to make a fantastic shot.
*deep inhale* WAHHHHHHHHHHHH
Number #1
This image, two old men pushing each other through the ruins of the world, is so fucking incredible. I could go on about the incredible set design and colors, but really, it’s just beautiful. It’s emotional. It’s gonna stay with me for a long, long time…
Tune in for ep 4 tmrw!
TLOU s2 first look (in video form) came out, and HOLY FUCK IT’S INCREDIBLE!! But you guys know me… you know how I am… let’s analyze this sucker.
Spoiler for tlou part 2
Other than the amazing dialogue and acting here, this scene thrills me because now we know we get at least a little more time with Joel. Thanks, Craig❤️
I’ve seen people say it could be therapy, which I love, but it’s also possible it could just be a normal conversation. Either way, I can’t wait!
Onto the next shot!
The “the tattoo looks bad!” People are sweating lol This looks AMAZING!! The scarring makeup is so well done! But ALSO did someone say shallow depth of field?? No?? Okay we’ll screw me I guess. Also, IT’S THE MOTH AGHHHHHH
Beutiful recreated shot. The shallow depth of field is gorgeous, and the lights… it’s just beutiful!
First thing’s first…
👏BELLA👏FUCKING👏RAMSEY👏 …holy shit.
It’s possible that the person holding onto Ellie’s shoulder is Maria, since if you turn your brightness up you can kinda see her side-shave hairstyle.
I have two theories for this: 1, this is right after the chemical burn? Or 2, this is after Joel dies? I could be totally wrong, though.
The guy in the background doesn’t look familiar to me, and none of the main cast have beards like that. I think he’s a new character, probably just a small role as a doctor.
ALSO DID SOMEONE SAY SHALLOW DEPTH OF—
This is definitely Jackson. You can see that the gates are the same as Jackson’s from ep 6.
And I’m fairly sure that it’s an infected horde, since none of them seem to have guns or weapons.
FUCK YES. LET’S FUCKING GO.
(No analysis here. Just hype.)
Definetly Seraphites, probably from the iconic forest scene. Looks great, love the lighting here.
First look at Dina!! Woo!!
Ellie has an assault rifle, and I think she might be on some rafters here, judging by the metal and because she’s definitely above ground level.
Gorgeous landscape shot, probably around the Jackson area.
JEFRREY WRIGHT RAHHHHHHHHH I don’t believe there’s a fight in the kitchen with Isaac in tlou part 2 (correct me if I’m wrong, but I definitely don’t think so?). He could be fighting Ellie here, which would probably be triggering for her (bad memories of guys fighting her in kitchens)
Firstly, KAITLYN LOOKS SO GOOD WOOHOO!!! Secondly, awesome recreated shot.
Not 100% sure, but could this be Tommy and Ellie? The first person looks like Tommy, with the longer dark hair and jacket. And the second person has the same color jacket that Ellie was wearing in the first look, and seems smaller than Tommy, which would also line up.
Awesome shot! I bet this is in the tunnels, especially since the shot after you see an infected slam against the doors.
Anyway, those are all my observations for now! This was the best 20 seconds of my day, and I’m so UNBELIEVABLY hyped!!
My Top 5 Shots in Every Episode of TLOU
Episode 4
TW: Guns
Number #5
I mean what to even say with this ridiculously strong start? I love the shallow depth of field, the reds, black, and browns, and the off center framing. It’s just really great looking.
Number #4
Have I mentioned how much I love the shallow depth of field shots In this show? I have? Well too bad. I’m talking about them again. THEY JUST LOOK SO GOOD!! Also I love the rim-lighting and the flared light in the background. They all just come together absolutely beautifully.
Number #3
A pretty iconic shot, and for good reason. It’s one of my favorite landscape shots in the show. The sight of the overgrown bridge and the sunken boats is just incredible and haunting. Fantastic.
Number #2
Have I mentioned the shallow depth— But other than that, I also just love the lighting and shadows. The emotion of the shot is great, too, Bella’s expression from shooting the raider is just so oof. Everything about this shot is just fantastic.
Before I reveal my #1, here are some honorable mentions…
This one’s just absolutely badass. The colors, the exhaust, the spray paint, it just rocks!
I love the greens here, and have I mentioned how much I love the shallo—
Amazing lighting here. I love the beams shining through the shrubbery and onto Ellie, and the composition with her just off center is so good.
Three absolutely amazing and gorgeous landscape shots!
Number #1
Hey, did someone say shal— The symbolism of this shot what makes it so incredible to me. The skeleton in contrast to Joel, the way they’re facing each other, the way they’re similar, how it’s in the same seat of the car he’d been in all episode, because Joel stills feels dead. Because this episode is the turning point, when he starts to come back to life because of Ellie… god, it’s just about fantastic. It’s just so fucking good.
Tune in for ep 5 tmrw!
My Top 5 Shots From Every Ep of TLOU
Episode 5
TW: Gore
Number #5
An absolutely gorgeous one that really shows off the tenderness of this scene through the warm lighting and intimate feel. Ellie silhouetted in the lamp light is beautiful, and centering of her between the two beds is really great.
Number #4
An absolutely amazing shot from the ‘Kansas City Freed’ sequence. The shallow depth of field, making the crown out of focus, looks incredible. And the blue and yellow lighting works so well.
Number #3
Not only is this just a gorgeous shot, but the symbolism is absolutely stunning. This is right after Henry paints the mask onto Sam’s face, and seeing the way that it’s reflected back onto him, since he’s Sam’s hero, is just so brilliant and fantastic.
Number #2
I mean, what can I say? I am an absolute sucker for shots in which there’s out of focus danger in the background. But this one is amazing on so many other levels, too. The lighting from the fire looks incredible, and the shallow depth of field, showing the flames and lights in the background through the dirty windows, is just fantastic. All that mixed with the intensity of this shot make it just absolutely incredible.
Before I reveal my #1, here are some honorable mentions…
TLOU ultra-wide shots never miss, and this is no exception. I love off-centering of Ellie and Joel, and the way they’re framed by the streetlights. It just looks amazing!
This shot is so intimidating. The chains in front, something they’ll use more of in episode 8, and the dim, dreary vibe of the room really make this feel gritty and dirty in such a fantastic way. I just can’t get enough!
Just an absolutely gorgeous shot. I love the different colored lights and the way they reflect off the metal in the hallway.
Just an absolutely bangin’ landscape shot.
I just love the use of focus in this show, and the way that it helps give this scene a very melancholy, introspective tone by making Joel alone, even when there’s someone with him.
Number #1
MY BOYYYYYYYYYYY. MY BABY BOYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY.
Tune in for ep 6 tmrw!
My Favorite Shots in Every Ep of TLOU
Episode 6
Number #5
I mean what to even say about this shot? I’m an absolute sucker for silhouettes, and the rolling clouds and flare-lighting through the horses legs are just so gorgeous. It should really say something about how beautiful this episode is that this is somehow number 5!
Number #4
God, this shot is so good. Joel staring up at the warm lighting of the house, knowing what’s about to happen. The emotion in this shot is so palpable, and it just absolutely kills me in the best way.
Number #3
I mean what can I even say about this one? It’s just an absolutely gorgeous shot. I’m a total sucker for this show’s shallow depth of field, and the way it was done with the lights is just absolutely amazing.
Number #2
Silhouette✅ Blue lighting✅ Indicates emotion or tone✅ Am I a predictable sucker? Yes. Yes I motherfucking am.
Before I reveal my #1, here are some honorable mentions…
The lighting and the emotion on Pedro’s face is just so good. This shit makes me feel stuff, and I think that is one of the best things a shot can do.
Once again, absolutely killing it with the tone and contrasts here. Seriously I respect these directors and cinematographers so much. It’s so cool to see the occasional times where the last of us opts for a not handheld style, and how they’re used to establish certain emotions.
This one’s gorgeous, but I already had two scenic horse shots in here, still this deserves at least an honorable mention.
Number #1
I love this shot so goddamn much!! The warm lighting and sideview of Pedro’s face as he turns off the lamp is just amazing. It’s such an emotional shot, and the way it uses perspective and focus is incredible.
Tune in for ep 7 tmrw!
My Top 5 Shots From Every Ep of TLOU
Episode 7
Number #5
It’s a relatively simplistic shot, but it’s just executed so well, and in such an emotional manner that I absolutely love it. Like every other shot on the list, and in the entire show, the lighting is incredible. But I think my favorite part of this shot is the emotion on the actors’ faces. Seriously, these two 20-year-olds are some of the best actors I’ve ever seen.
Number #4
A relatively unnoticed, quick shot that I just adore. I’m a sucker for silhouettes, always have been, and when they’re done in such a unique and awesome-looking way I just can never get enough.
Number #3
An absolutely iconic shot, and for good reason, this is just absolutely fantastic in every way. The center framing of Ellie, the different colored lighting, it’s just so gorgeous.
Number #2
God, this one is so good. I can feel the emotional gut-punch just looking at it. The composition here is so good, and the warm lighting and colors gives the whole thing this gorgeous, unique feeling that I just absolutely love. This shot represents the episode: Warm, beautiful, and devastating.
Before I reveal my #1, here are some honorable mentions…
I love the high camera-angle and the shallow depth of field. This was just a shot that really captured my attention—it just looks excellent!
I debated between this one and the mall shot, and while the mall shot won out, this one absolutely deserves a mention. The lighting steals the show here; the blues, pinks, and purples, the neon lights, it’s just absolutely fantastic.
I love the composition and (you guessed it) the lighting. I also love how it contrasts with the flashback, using more muted and dull colors while still looking great.
This shot just hits the spot. The composition, the lighting, how well the tone is indicated through it, the attention to detail for the Boston QZ in the window. It’s just awesome.
Number #1
The carousel sequence was so gorgeous, but this shot stood out to me especially. I love Riley standing and Ellie on the horse. I love the center-framing. I love the lights reflected in the glass. I love the palpable emotion in the shot—I just love this one.
Tune in for ep 8 tmrw!
My Top 5 Shots From Every Ep of TLOU
Episode 8
TW: Gore, David (blegh)
Number #5
This is a pretty “blink and you’ll miss it” shot from the chase scene, but once again, the use of focus and composition here is brilliant. The symbolism of David looming over his men, neatly lined up to him, is so, so good. But also it just looks fantastic!
Number #4
This shot is so good. The show once again uses its shallow depth of field to add to the suspense and intensity of the cinematography. I’m an absolute sucker for shots in which the threat in the background is out of focus, and this one just does it so well. It’s just so good!!
Number #3
The ultra wide shots may never miss, but neither do the ultra close-up shots (or any shots but… y’know…). This is just such a beautiful shot. The horizontal side-profile is incredible, and so is the subtle contrasting lighting. Pedro really sells it, too. You can see the emotion in his eyes.
Number #2
Episode 8 of TLOU is the least scenic of the episodes. It takes place in ruined houses and gray cells, far calls from the cityscapes or wilderness of the other episodes. Yet somehow the director and cinematographer were able to use lighting, focus, and composition to keep this episode as gorgeous as the rest of them. Nowhere is that more evident than in this picture, that somehow the show’s signature shallow depth of field to make these patterns out of the out of focus chain-link and bricks. It’s just a really well done, fantastic looking shot.
Before I reveal my #1, here are some honorable mentions…
A couple gorgeous wide-shots
So good. So, so, so good. The intensity of this shot is palpable. Bella Ramsey is just such an incredible actor!
Great job to the writers and Scott Shepherd, because I genuinely hate David so much that I tried avoiding putting him on my list as much as possible. This was originally #3 but I just… I just couldn’t do it…
This one’s amazing. The contrast, the rim-lighting, it’s just really well done and pretty.
Number #1
God, what to even say about this shot? Not only is it gorgeous, with incredible lighting and the shallow depth of field making the flames out of focus, but it’s also the equivalent of a gut punch in the form of a single frame. The dark, the shifting light, Bella Ramsey’s unreal acting—it’s just incredible. Truly, truly incredible.
Dishonorable Mention…
I hate this shot. I fucking hate this shot. I hate it so, so much. No shot has ever given me such a visceral, disgusted reaction… …but that was the goal so… good job I guess…?
Tune in for ep 9 tmrw!
My Top 5 Shots of Every Episode of TLOU
Episode 9
TW: Gore
Number #5
What can I say? I just think this one is gorgeous. It represents why The Last of Us HBO’s cinematography works so damn well. It’s subtle, atmospheric, and gritty, while still being absolutely gorgeous. I love the dingy yellows, and the rim-lighting on Marlene. Just a fantastically put together shot.
Number #4
This shot is absolutely brutal in the best way. In the show, the camera doesn’t show the bodies of dead people, opting to go the route of showing the main characters when someone dies. It’s this really effective way to make the violence more impactful and character-driven. During the hospital massacre, however, they very purposefully don’t do that. They show the bodies. They show the people falling. It’s this really affective subtle twisting of the knife that gives this sequence this really unique and incredible tone of shock, and it absolutely wouldn’t have worked without the buildup of amazing, character driven violence until then. Small (“small” tangent aside, the shot itself absolutely rocks! The high-angle of the body squished against the stairs. Joel scavenging the dead man for parts. It’s so brutal and clinical, another thing the hospital sequence does incredibly. It’s an extremely affective, amazing shot.
Number #3
This show’s ultra wide shots just go so hard, but this one even more than most. The dreary sky, the ultra wide on Anna showcasing the field and the city in the background… it’s so atmospheric and just absolutely fantastic. Bravo.
Number #2
What can I even say about this shot? The lighting. The contrast. Ashley’s incredible acting. It’s just incredible.
Before I reveal my #1, here are some honorable mentions…
It’s the symbolism here more than the shot that makes this absolutely excellent. But Joel taking Ellie out of the light just hits so hard I couldn’t not include this somewhere.
Another absolutely gorgeous side-view shot, it’s just so good!! The reason this one isn’t number five is because there was already another amazing side view on here…
I debated this and the other Anna shot for number two, and while the other one came out on top, this one is just so gorgeous and emotional I couldn’t not include it.
This one’s just really pretty lol
Number #1
I don’t even know how to express how good this shot is. It works on so many levels, and in so many ways. It’s dark and emotional and it has incredible contrast (all things that describe episode 9 as a whole) Ellie over Joel’s shoulder, in the dark, with the gorgeous rim-lighting and the deep blues… it’s just incredible. INCREDIBLE.
That’s all for now, folks! I’ll do this again when s2 comes out!
I’ve seen people ask where they’re going in this shot at the end of episode 8…
…but this actually makes sense.
Considering they didn’t kill all the Silver Lakers in the show, they’re probably weary of raiders. Going to the water’s edge not only means that they don’t have to worry about being ambushed from one side, but it also obscures the sound of their footsteps with the water.
…God, I fucking love this show.
legit cannot wait for aobg new ch 😭
Thanks so much!
It’s taking a bit longer than I planned (I rewrote one scene 5 times), but I’m almost done!
Here’s the plot of the chapter:
(Flashing Lights)
Can we as a fandom PLEASE learn to use #anti?
I feel like every time I want to just read jokes or peoples analysis’ or see cute fanart, I’m absolutely bombarded with vitriol for the show, the actors, the changes, etc.
I realize I can’t stop this behavior, but I would like to distance myself from it, and unfortunately I can’t do that just myself. I just want to enjoy my favorite show in peace, without every online space being full of unavoidable hate.
So, I’m begging you…
“I hate how they changed Bill’s storyline” wow, fascinating, tag it #anti tlou hbo
“They should recast Bella Ramsey” well that’s certainly an opinion, and may I just add… tag it #anti bella ramsey
“The show is worse than the games in every way and I hate the show so much adijnfokdcm” hm, I see, #anti tlou hbo
If your first thought is “but all I’m doing is providing good faith criticism!” Or “I don’t hate Bella Ramsey, I just wish they cast someone else!” I don’t care. Tag it #tlou hbo crit or #bella ramsey crit if you’re unwilling to tag it #anti. You’re smart, you know full well when you should be tagging things like that. I don’t want your justifications, I just want to be able to look at #the last of us on tumblr and have good time.
Maria: Who wants to put the angel on top of the tree? Joel: I'll do it Ellie: PUT ME DOWN, JOEL
The more I think about it, I can't get over the scene with the cops at the beginning of the game; it's so powerful, real, and raw. There is so much happening in just one minute.
First, Ellie knows her 'infection' is going to be revealed. She needs to act quickly, and even though it's against her nature, she must do this. She doesn't want to, though; it bothers her. It says a lot about her as a person when, a few seconds before stabbing the guard in the leg, she apologizes to him. The guards are there to probably kill them, and she says 'sorry' before hurting one of them out of fear. The kid is unbelievable.
Then it's Joel and Tess, so ready to immediately fight back, moving quickly and efficiently without hesitation. They are used to this; it's not the first time they have had to deal with something like this. They know there's no other way than to use violence, making Ellie realize what kind of people she's been sent on a mission with.
She can't handle this. She feels sick; she doesn't enjoy seeing people being killed—not even the bad guys. She's a good kid; violence is the last thing on her mind. This is one of the reasons why I'm not fond of the whole "Ellie has a violent heart" thing in the show.
They really messed up with this. Making such a sweetheart of a character someone who enjoys seeing a man being beat up to death only to excuse Ellie's ptsd behavior in Part 2 is not exactly wise. The Ellie we all know was not 'activated' by Joel's aggression, quite the contrary. She was shaken to see this kind of violence.
I'm sad Ellie never forgave Joel before he died, I get that she was angry about the whole thing, but I'm still upset that he never got forgiven and he thought she hated him up until he died :(
I'm screaming I'm crying I'm throwing up; this will be the only thing on my mind for the entirety of 2023, I'm losing my shit
Joel constantly in protective dad mode even though he swears he hates Ellie
Joel all but shaking when he realizes he can't protect Ellie from the clicker that's in the van with her
"It wasn't time that did it."
