RaMell Ross, a visual artist turned director, has taken a bold step in filmmaking with his latest project, 'Nickel Boys', an adaptation of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. The film's most striking feature is its commitment to shooting nearly the entire two-hour, 20-minute runtime from the first-person perspective, a feat that has never been attempted before in a feature film.

The decision to use a first-person camera rig was not taken lightly, and Ross, along with cinematographer Jomo Fray, spent a month testing different approaches to get the feel just right. The result is a film that puts the audience directly in the shoes of the two lead characters, Elwood and Turner, as they navigate the brutal reformatory school in the Jim Crow South. The effect is startling and, in its best moments, sublime.

Ross's background in visual arts and documentary filmmaking has influenced his approach to storytelling. His 2018 documentary, 'Hale County This Morning, This Evening', was praised for its fragmentary and impressionistic style, which has carried over into 'Nickel Boys'. The film's use of first-person POV is not just a gimmick, but a deliberate choice that allows the audience to experience the world through the eyes of the characters.

The technical challenges of shooting in first-person were significant, requiring the development of custom camera rigs and a high degree of coordination between the camera crew and actors. The film's cinematographer, Jomo Fray, had to rethink the language of film "on a quantum level", reimagining the basic elements of filmmaking, such as establishing shots, cuts, and transitions.

The actors, Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson, also had to adapt to the unconventional filming style, often donning camera rigs themselves and speaking directly into the lens. Despite the challenges, they found the experience exhilarating, with Herisse describing it as "so cool" to wield the camera and become an active participant in the filmmaking process.

'Nickel Boys' has already generated significant buzz, with critics praising its innovative storytelling and cinematic achievements. The film is expected to be a contender for major awards, including the Academy Awards, and is set to release in theaters on December 13th. With 'Nickel Boys', Ross has pushed the boundaries of filmmaking, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Ross's achievement is not just a testament to his vision and creativity but also a reminder that filmmaking is an ever-evolving art form, constantly seeking new ways to tell stories and engage audiences. As 'Nickel Boys' hits theaters, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to this bold and innovative filmmaking approach.