Claude Renoir

Apprenticed under noted cinematographers Christian Matras and Boris Kaufman and shot or co-shot several films directed by his uncle, Jean Renoir. Renoir did the photography for one of his uncle's cinematic apogees, "Un Partie de Campagne" (1936) and was the camera operator for the tragic, ebullient master text "Le Grande Illusion" (1937). As a cinematographer, Claude Renoir was responsible for the luminous color work of the "The River" (1951), "The Golden Coach" (1953) and "Elena and Her Men" (1955). He also generated the stark black-and-white compositions of Maurice Cloche's "Monsieur Vincent" (1947) and the psychedelic 60s colors of Roger Vadim's "Barbarella" (1967). Renoir has lensed a stunning array of films, including "Le Mystere Picasso" (1956), second unit work on "Cleopatra" (1963) and Bertrand Blier's "Calmos" (1975). After his final DP credit, "The Spy who Loved Me" (1977), Renoir worked as a cameraman on three films, as he, sadly, lost his sight. Son of character actor Pierre Renoir (1885-1952).