Cinematographer Patrick Keating Discusses Neorealist Film at WashU Lecture

Keating shared his research on neorealist and 'luminist' films, kicking off the spring portion of the Film and Media Studies Department's Colloquium Lecture Series.

Published on Feb. 1, 2026

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Renowned cinematographer Patrick Keating, a professor at Trinity University, delivered a lecture at Washington University in St. Louis last Thursday, focusing on his research into neorealist and 'luminist' films. Keating's talk, part of the Film and Media Studies Department's Colloquium Lecture Series, centered around his new book and the concept of 'luminism' - a style of soft, balanced lighting prevalent in post-World War II filmmaking. Keating also offered advice to aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of saying 'yes' to opportunities and developing a versatile skillset.

Why it matters

Keating's lecture provided insight into the history and techniques of neorealist and 'luminist' filmmaking, which had a significant impact on the industry. His research and perspectives are valuable for film students and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of cinematography and the evolution of visual storytelling.

The details

In his 'Postwar Cinematography and the Idea of Italian Neorealism' lecture, Keating broke down his concept of 'luminism' into four key elements: becoming disillusioned with traditional lighting, observing real-world lighting, the 'picture making' aspect, and telling a story. He also discussed the intentional use of lighting 'mistakes' by neorealist filmmakers to enhance the sense of realism. The lecture was attended by a mix of WashU faculty, students, and Student Life reporters, who engaged in a Q&A session and provided feedback on Keating's upcoming book.

  • The lecture took place on Thursday, February 1, 2026.
  • Keating's lecture kicked off the spring portion of the Film and Media Studies Department's Colloquium Lecture Series.

The players

Patrick Keating

A professor at Trinity University in San Antonio, renowned among peers for his knowledge on filmmaking, the history of cinematography, and media analysis.

Colin Burnett

The director of the Film and Media Studies (FMS) program at Washington University in St. Louis, who provided insights and feedback during the Q&A session.

Janusz Kaminski

A cinematographer who worked closely with director Steven Spielberg, and whose success Keating cited as an example of the power of saying 'yes' to opportunities.

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What they’re saying

“Luminism is a kind of dedication or commitment, refusing to sacrifice the nuances of light to anything else.”

— Patrick Keating, Professor (studlife.com)

“It's modernism, but maybe it's just a longer impulse that rises and falls in the history of visual art, and what you're seeing [is it] just rise here in cinematography at this crucial moment when you're getting a mass response to classicism.”

— Colin Burnett, Director, Film and Media Studies Program (studlife.com)

“You need to watch things. You need to actually sit down and be voracious in your appetite.”

— Colin Burnett, Director, Film and Media Studies Program (studlife.com)

What’s next

The next lecture in the FMS Colloquium Lecture Series will be with Professor Mark Minett of the University of South Carolina, speaking on the 'golden age of the superhero genre'.

The takeaway

Keating's lecture provided valuable insights into the history and techniques of neorealist and 'luminist' filmmaking, offering aspiring filmmakers advice on the importance of versatility, adaptability, and seizing every opportunity to hone their craft.