In this fascinating documentary, Jack Cardiff describes his
superb career as one of the ultimate Technicolor cinematographers of the
twentieth century, who worked on 86 films. Beginning work in 1918, he continued up
until 2007, dying in 2009. Telling fascinating stories of the film production, films,
directors, and actors that he worked with, Jack shows a keen sense of humor. Martin
Scorsese also offers commentary throughout.
Below is only a partial list of only a few of his important films discussed in the film:
- West Approaches (1945) - the first documentary in Technicolor
- A Matter of Life and Death (1946)
- Black Narcissus (1947) - a magnificently lighted and filmed studio work, which appears to be location work but actually isn’t
- The Red Shoes (1948) - A film I saw about 1950 and blew me away with its innovative storytelling and knock-out color. It tells in truly glorious Technicolor of the world of an obsessed dancer/artist. I can still see the scenes through my seven-year old eyes.
- Under Capricorn (1949) – A special crane was created so that Hitchcock could construct one shot moving camera scenes where walls were moved out and then back.
- The African Queen (1951)
- The Barefoot Contessa (1954) - with Ava Gardner at her most beautiful
- War and Peace (1956)
- The Vikings (1958)
- Prince and the Showgirl (1957) – with Marilyn
- Rambo: First Blood, Part II (1985)
As a portrait photographer, Cardiff captured fascinating
images of his female stars: Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Anita Eckberg, Janet
Leigh, Marilyn Monroe. We also get a chance to see several of his home movies of film production and stars. It is a fascinating view of behind the camera.
The documentary is well told, and Cardiff becomes a man I
would like to have known and whose work I greatly admire.
Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff (2010) **** (found on Netflix Streaming)
No comments:
Post a Comment