Review | "Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff"

Cardiff is arguably most famous for his work on the Archers films of John Powell and Emeric Pressburger of the late 1940s, such as A Matter of Life and Death, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus, and The Red Shoes. He has lensed some of the most beautiful films of all time, pioneering camera techniques and modes of lighting that are still in use today.
Craig McCall's documentary, Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff, seeks to throw back the curtain on the life of a man who was a legend in his own time, even though he was never what one would call a household name.

Using interviews with other cinema giants such as Martin Scorsese, Kirk Douglas, Lauren Bacall, Thelma Schoonmaker, and Cardiff himself, McCall offers up what is essentially a master class in cinema art. Cardiff is a gentle and candid figure, recalling what it was like to work with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Humphrey Bogart, revealing photographic work he did for the stars on the side while he wasn't working on films. He seems eager to discuss his work, but also incredibly humble for a man of his vast achievements. It makes for a wholly fascinating viewing experience that is essential for any cinephile.

In my opinion, Black Narcissus and The Red Shoes are the two most beautiful films of all time, and it's a privilege to get to see the man responsible for them explaining how he brought them to life. It's also fascinating to learn of his other experiences on films I didn't even realize he did, such as Rambo: First Blood Part II. Cardiff had a long and varied career, filming both classics like The African Queen and sequels that time forgot like Conan the Destroyer. For fans of Cardiff, for fans of the Archers, and for fans of all great cinema, Cameraman is a must-see.
GRADE - ★★★ (out of four)
CAMERAMAN: THE LIFE AND WORK OF JACK CARDIFF | Directed by Craig McCall | Featuring Jack Cardiff, Martin Scorsese, Kirk Douglas, Lauren Bacall, John Mills, Thelma Schoonmaker, Kim Hunter | Not rated | Opens Friday, May 13, at the Quad Cinema in NYC, and June 3 at Laemmle's Music Hall in LA.
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