Cameraman: The Life & Work of Jack Cardiff

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Cameraman: The Life & Work of Jack Cardiff

Released May 13, 2011

1h 26m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

97%

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29 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

This documentary explores the life of Jack Cardiff, a former child actor who went on to achieve great things in film. But Cardiff didn't excel in front of the camera; he mastered the camera itself, using his painting background to perfect the art of lighting in cinema. Cardiff's talent as a cinematographer is seen in clips from some of his most acclaimed works, like "Black Narcissus" and "The Red Shoes," while the praise of luminaries like Martin Scorsese cements his legend.

Leba Hertz

San Francisco Chronicle

Although we never really learn much about his life outside the movies, by the end of the film we are in awe of his work accomplishments.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 28, 2011

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Ann Hornaday

Washington Post

"Cameraman" should be required viewing for anyone interested in becoming more visually literate in an ever-more-media-drenched age.

Rated: 3/4

Jul 8, 2011

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Ty Burr

Boston Globe

Cardiff was the greatest color cameraman who ever lived.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 23, 2011

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Christopher Campbell

Nonfics (Substack)

If you love movies, you really ought to see Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff.

May 5, 2025

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Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

For fans of Cardiff, for fans of the Archers, and for fans of all great cinema, Cameraman is a must-see.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 5, 2019

Full Review

Brian Orndorf

Blu-ray.com

His story ends in 2009, but his achievements live on, with "Cameraman" a sublime education on the masterful work of Jack Cardiff.

Rated: A-

Nov 12, 2017

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Audience Member

Jack Cardiff's life offers a wonderful inspiration to explore the birth of color film as enlivened behind his lens. The combination of personal conversations, celebrity and collaborator interviews, and prize scenes from his greatest works brings viewers into a golden-red, green, and blue-age of cinema in transition.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

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Audience Member

â??Cameramanâ?? should be required viewing for anyone interested in becoming more visually literate in an ever-more-media-drenched age. Whatâ??s more, itâ??s chock-full of anecdotes from Cardiffâ??s work with such stars as Audrey Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe, who inscribed a photo to him with the line, â??Dear Jack, if only I could be the way you created me.â?? And if only movies could be the way Cardiff himself made them: drenched in color, spinning with movement and brimming with an intoxicating sense of life.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A fitting tribute to a cameraman that not only kept current during 8 decades but was sort after by some of the most legendary directors. Jack Cardiff was the cutting edge cinematographer of early technicolor & worked on many films where color became a character. He photographed many stunning actress' & worked on some of Hollywood's biggest films. An English man at heart & master of the camera, a terrific documentary.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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Audience Member

A must see for those interested in film-making, photography, art, etc. Some very interesting, educational, as well as funny stories of old Hollywood classic films, actors, actresses, directors, etc. by a pioneer and master of cinematography and film-making.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

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Audience Member

Awesome, my only complaint is that he didn't get the chance to share tips and tricks. nicest guy it seemed thought. kudoos

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

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Audience Member

A great documentary that inspires the viewer to become a photographer. Great interviews with Martin Scorcese. Jack is completely loveable and humble as well as being one of the most inspirational cameramen of all time. Well done and interesting every step of the way.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

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Craig McCall

Director

Jack Cardiff

Actor

Martin Scorsese

Actor

Kirk Douglas

Actor

Lauren Bacall

Actor

John Mills

Actor

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Synopsis

This documentary explores the life of Jack Cardiff, a former child actor who went on to achieve great things in film. But Cardiff didn't excel in front of the camera; he mastered the camera itself, using his painting background to perfect the art of lighting in cinema. Cardiff's talent as a cinematographer is seen in clips from some of his most acclaimed works, like "Black Narcissus" and "The Red Shoes," while the praise of luminaries like Martin Scorsese cements his legend.

Director: Craig McCall
Distributor: Strand Releasing
Production Co: UK Film Council
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 13, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 20, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $20.0K
Runtime: 1h 26m

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