Q&A: Villeneuve and Deakins Talk Light and Dark in ‘Sicario’

“The Prince of Darkness” was the nickname of cinematographer legend Gordon Willis, but Roger Deakins, too, has shown a kingly command of shadows.

In this image released by Lionsgate, director Denis Villeneuve (L) and cinematographer Roger Deakins, second left, appear during the filming of "Sicario." Richard Foreman Jr./Lionsgate via AP

TORONTO — “The Prince of Darkness” was the nickname of cinematographer legend Gordon Willis, but Roger Deakins, too, has shown a kingly command of shadows.

Recall the sleek Shanghai skyscraper scene of “Skyfall,” the desperate moonlit horse ride of “True Grit,” or the early dawn dog chase of “No Country for Old Men.” In Denis Villeneuve’s drug war thriller “Sicario,” Deakins adds to his nighttime reel with a memorable border tunnel pursuit, seen through night vision and infrared perspectives.

In this image released by Lionsgate, Emily Blunt appears in a scene from "Sicario." Richard Foreman Jr./Lionsgate via AP