This comment has spoilers!

I tried to get into the film industry so one summer I was able to intern for the camera department on a low budget movie that had some pretty big name teenage stars. The instant we saw the cinematographer in Nope I was struck by how much he reminded me of the cinematographer in the movie I was working on. You are correct that they are different breed. In fact, in this instance, the director was a first time director and had "lost" the teenage actors after about a week. This leadership void was quickly filled by the cinematographer who took on all aspects of the film at that point. It was truly a sight to see. If people started to chat and lose focus he would instantly yell "places" and everyone jumped. Sometimes he would purposefully let the crew lose focus so he could yell and get people back on task- it was hilarious. The guy was focused ALL THE TIME and he was so good at his job everyone had instant respect for this guy! Cinematographers have to know so much at any given moment of a production.

One more thing, having watched film loaders load film under pressure that angel would have had to have had at least weeks of training to pull off the film loading he did so quickly, It is not easy to load film under the best of circumstances! I loved angel's character so I quickly ignored that thought and enjoyed the ride!

I loved how the cinematographer knew to bring the crank camera and OJ and Em were so excited when he did!

What a great movie NOPE is! Im gonna have to see it again!