In the 1970s color film/development/print cost significantly more than black and white.
Shooting in b&w was common, because it was much cheaper. But of course, he could've chosen it or aesthetic reasons.
Interestingly, it's the opposite now - B&W tends to be more expensive because it has to be done by hand at most shops, while color development is done by machine.
Interestingly, it's the opposite now - B&W tends to be more expensive because it has to be done by hand at most shops, while color development is done by machine.