IMO a big issue with a lot of modern productions is that they are too clean and colorful. You have a movie set in 1910 and everyone is wearing colorful died fab

IMO a big issue with a lot of modern productions is that they are too clean and colorful. You have a movie set in 1910 and everyone is wearing colorful died fabric and their clothings are spotless, not a hair out of place, when in reality their feet would be covered in horse shit and their hair mattled with sweat from wearing all those layers, plus a lot more smoking and drinking. I think this comes from shooting in a sound room constantly and having every shot run by hair/makeup/wardrobe to make sure everything is perfect. Meanwhile, back in the day when they would shoot, e.g., a western, that would feel a lot more real because it would be shot on an actual movie ranch. You'd feel the heat of the sun, the characters are all sweaty and dirty. Buttons may be loosened on shirts just to make it more comfortable for the actors in the heat, just like they would be by the real character in the scene due to the heat. E.g. this shot from Once upon a time in the west is a good example (1). The sun is beating down with hard shadows. The main characters shoes are dusty, his coat is dusty from brushing on the ground, his hands are dusty, his sleeves are dirty, there is dirt all over his face, he looks sunburned, he looks like he probably smells. It feels so much more authentic. 1. https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTgzNDM5NTY3NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjA4MTc4Mw@@._V1_.jpg https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTgzNDM5NTY3NF5BMl5B...