The cinematography was stunning.
stu-PEN-da — stress on second syllable. The 'p' is unaspirated in Italian.
Use when discussing a film's visual quality. 'Fotografia' in Italian film context means cinematography, not photography. Common in post-film discussion with anyone from friends to critics.
In Italian cinema language, 'fotografia' refers to the cinematography and visual style of a film — the work of the 'direttore della fotografia' (director of photography / DP). This is distinct from 'regia' (direction) and 'sceneggiatura' (screenplay). Knowing this terminology impresses Italian cinephiles.
La regia era eccellente.
The direction was excellent.
'Regia' = direction. 'Il regista' = the director.
La colonna sonora era fantastica.
The soundtrack was fantastic.
'Colonna sonora' = film score/soundtrack — literally 'sound column'.
La recitazione era straordinaria.
The acting was extraordinary.
'Recitazione' = acting. 'Recitare' = to act/perform.
Italy has a celebrated cinematographic tradition — directors of photography like Vittorio Storaro (Apocalypse Now) trained in Italy. Discussing 'fotografia' at a high level is natural in Italian cinephile circles.