Richard Lester

A visually dazzling and witty filmmaker whose hyperkinetic films helped to shape the look and pace of 1960s-era cinema, Richard Lester was the creative force behind the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night" (1964) and "Help!" (1965), as well as such crowd-pleasing hits as "The Knack And How to Get It" (1965), "The Three Musketeers" (1973) and "Superman II" (1981). After cutting his teeth on American television, Lester relocated to England, where he attracted the attention of Peter Sellers. Their numerous collaborations included the Oscar-nominated short "The Running Jumping Standing Still Film" (1959) which featured many of his trademark flourishes, including visual non-sequiters, a taste for unbridled slapstick and absurdity, and a rapid but precise editing style that won numerous fans, including The Beatles. His work with the pop icons made him a leading figure in British film, where his youthful, anarchic approach found favor around the world. A brief career spiral was thwarted by the success of the big-budget "Musketeers" films, as well as "Superman II." Lester's exuberance and experimentation were later adopted by countless filmmakers, as well as the music video genre, which borrowed wholesale from his Beatles films. Lester's best work brimmed with an energy and charm that remained untouchable, even after five decades.