Shot on Kodak 35mm film, Bad Times at the El Royale is considered by some to be among the finest work that cinematographer Seamus McGarvey BSC ASC has accomplished to date.

When questioned about it, McGarvey modestly remarks, “I was thrilled to get the opportunity to shoot Bad Times at the El Royale on film. I am delighted at how it has turned out in terms of working with a director, and from a script, with solid photographic notions of colour and design sensibilities. When those things get written into a production you are off to a really good start cinematographically-speaking. Some projects take a while to coalesce, but when I read the script I could see it…the visuals leapt off the page.”

— Cinematographer Seamus McGarvey

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018), dir. Drew Goddard

Chris Hemsworth in Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) dir. Drew Goddard

Match cuts in Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

We might need to work on your sales pitch, son. “The El Royale: no place for a priest.”

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) dir. Drew Goddard

This is not a place for a priest, Father. You shouldn’t be here.

BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE (2018)
DIR. Drew Goddard

Well, now, let’s be clear… I shot another man who had it coming, and you just happened to be back there, being creepy, and you caught a face full of buckshot for your trouble.

Dakota Johnson as Emily Summerspring in Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

Chris Hemsworth as Billy Lee in Bad Times At The El Royale

You spend your life getting shook, you learn to spot a shaker.

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) dir. Drew Goddard

Bad Times at the El Royale // Aesthetics