Cameraman: The Life & Work of Jack Cardiff (2010)

Documentary on the career of cinematographer and director Jack Cardiff (1914-2009). Though Cardiff was nominated for an Academy Award as best director for the 1960 film Sons and Lovers, he is best known for his work as a cinematographer, particularly his early color work in Britain and the films he made with the writing and directing team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Cardiff also memorably shots films ranging from The African Queen and War & Peace in the 1950's, to Conan the Destroyer and Rambo II in the 1980's. He was also an accomplished still photographer who took some great glamor shots of actresses he worked with like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. This documentary is a great overview of his work and includes talking head interviews with the likes of Kirk Douglas and Martin Scorsese. Cardiff is also a very likable guy and in fine form and remarkably spry when he was interviewed for this film while in his 90's. You don't get much about Cardiff's personal life however, in fact I didn't know for sure that he was married until I heard him briefly mention his wife in a deleted scene included as a DVD extra. Still if you have any familiarity with Cardiff's works I think you'll find the further insight on that in this documentary enjoyable, and even if your not familiar with Cardiff  odds are you're going to like him after seeing this film. ***