Richard Leacock
Born: 1921-07-18 in London, UK
Died: 2011-03-23
Known For: Directing
Biography
Richard Leacock (July 18, 1921 – March 15, 2011) was a pioneering American-born filmmaker, widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the cinéma vérité movement. He was a key influence on the development of observational documentary filmmaking, known for his innovative use of handheld cameras and his emphasis on capturing spontaneous, real-time events. Leacock's most notable works include Primary (1960), which followed John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey during the 1960 Democratic primary campaign, and Chronicle of a Summer (1961), co-directed with Jean Rouch, a landmark film in the cinéma vérité genre. Throughout his career, Leacock collaborated with other influential filmmakers, including Robert Drew and D.A. Pennebaker, and helped shape the way documentaries were made. His legacy continues to influence contemporary documentary filmmakers.
Filmography
2023
- Monica in the South Seas as Self
2016
2012
- Ricky on Leacock as Self
2011
- Mario Ruspoli, Prince of the Whales as Self
- BodySongs ... (Camera Operator)
2010
- A Boatload of Wild Irishmen as Self
2008
- A President to Remember: In the Company of John F. Kennedy ... (Cinematography)
- Morris Engel: The Independent as Self
2002
- Monterey Pop - The Outtake Performances ... (Cinematography)
2000
- The Last Documentary as Self
1999
- Flora Natapoff - An American Painter ... (Director)
1992
- Cinéma! Cinéma! The French New Wave as Self
- Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Music ... (Camera Operator)
1991
- Les oeufs à la coque de Richard Leacock ... (Director)
1989
- Message to Man as Self
1987
- Working Girls as Joseph
- Jimi Plays Monterey ... (Camera Operator)
- Shake! Otis at Monterey ... (Camera Operator)
1986
- Louise Brooks ... (Director)
1985
- Sherman's March as Self - Historical Narration (voice)
1984
- Lulu in Berlin as Self - Interviewer
- Ein Film für Bossak und Leacock
1983
- Community of Praise ... (Director)
1982
- Middletown ... (Director)
1981
- Rebuilding an Old Japanese House ... (Director)
1980
- Light Coming Through: A Portrait of Maud Morgan ... (Director)
1977
- Centerbeam ... (Director)
1973
- Little Richard: Keep on Rockin' ... (Director of Photography)
1972
- Reality's Invisible as Self
1970
- Original Cast Album: Company ... (Director of Photography)
- Queen of Apollo ... (Director)
1968
- Monterey Pop ... (Camera Operator)
- RainForest ... (Director)
- French Lunch ... (Director of Photography)
- Two American Audiences: La Chinoise - A Film in the Making ... (Director)
- Chiefs ... (Director)
1967
- A Stravinsky Portrait ... (Director)
1965
- Elizabeth and Mary ... (Producer)
- Ku Klux Klan—The Invisible Empire ... (Director)
1964
- Campaign Manager ... (Director)
- Lambert & Co. ... (Director)
1963
- The Chair ... (Editor)
- A Happy Mother's Day ... (Director)
1962
- Jane ... (Director of Photography)
- Mooney vs. Fowle ... (Director)
- Nehru ... (Director)
- Kenya: Land of the White Ghost ... (Director)
1961
- Adventures on the New Frontier ... (Director)
- On the Pole: Eddie Sachs ... (Director)
- The Children Were Watching ... (Director)
1960
- ABC Close-Up! ... (Producer)
- Primary ... (Camera Operator)
- ABC Close-Up: Yanki, No! ... (Director of Photography)
- Integration Report 1 ... (Camera Operator)
- Christopher and Me ... (Director)
- Frames of Reference ... (Producer)
1959
- A Magnet Laboratory ... (Director)
1958
- Brussels Loops ... (Director)
1957
- American Football ... (Director of Photography)
1956
- A Conversation with Marcel Duchamp ... (Director of Photography)
1954
- Toby and the Tall Corn ... (Director)
- Jazz Dance ... (Director of Photography)
1952
- Omnibus ... (Director)
1948
- Louisiana Story ... (Associate Producer)
1947
- To Hear Your Banjo Play ... (Director of Photography)
1935
- Canary Island Bananas ... (Director)