Jack Cardiff (1914-2009)
Renowned cinematographer Jack Cardiff has died of age-related causes at his home in Cambridgeshire. He was 94.
The son of music hall performers, Jack’s first job on leaving school was on the film The Informer in 1928. It was an experience that sparked his interest in work behind the camera, mainly because the camera crews seemed to travel to exotic destinations. He recalls that his main task was to provide the director with Vichy water, but he also 'followed focus' for the first time - after which he never looked back.
An Academy Award winner for his work on the classic Black Narcissus, the 1947 film he made with Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, Jack’s extraordinary talent was evidenced in the brilliance of his other films from A Matter Of Life and Death, The Red Shoes, The Magic Box and The African Queen, as well as his versatility – he also shot Rambo First Blood Part II and Conan the Destroyer.
A famous early champion of Technicolor, Jack also directed a number of films including Girl On A Motorcycle and the DH Lawrence adaptation, Sons and Lovers.
Amanda Nevill, BFI director, said: ‘He was a world-class cinematographer who pioneered the techniques of shooting in Technicolor. He made a unique contribution to some of the greatest films ever made. He was a regular and much-loved visitor as a BFI Fellow, whose irrepressible delight in cinema was an inspiration. We adored him and will miss him.’
Jack received many accolades including an OBE, two Oscars and a BAFTA Special Award. In 2001 the BFI undertook its own celebration of his outstanding film career with an exhibition of stills, posters and designs chosen by him from the BFI collections.
