Cinematographer Harris Savides, ASC, has left us at the age of 55.
My sincere condolences to his family.
"You shouldn't see the photography in the film."
Harris Savides in Interview.
Harris was a pure artist, and a gentle bear of a man, intelligent, considerate and humble. He was universally admired by his peers, and sought out by top filmmakers including Gus van Sant, David Fincher, Ridley Scott and Sofia Coppola.
He is known for having said that he lit spaces, not people. I think we can say instead that Harris created ambiances for the actors to live in. He succeeded in suffusing entire films with luminous moods that were present but invisible, like perfume.
The 3 images above evoke some of Harris' accomplishments. He was among the first cinematographers to pioneer digital capture, with the brilliant Zodiac. The soft naturalism of Somewhere helps to give the film its light, nostalgic tone. My own favorite is Last Days, which is filled with bleak moments of understated beauty.
Harris' feature credits include:
The Yards
Gerry
Elephant
Last Days
Milk
The Game
Zodiac
American Gangster
Somewhere
and the upcoming The Bling Ring.
Harris also lit notable music videos for Madonna and REM.
May God bless his soul.
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This failed interview shot 3 years ago at the Chateau Marmont is funny and poignant...
Directed by Kahlil Joseph. Photographed by Matt Lloyd.
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Links
thefilmbook: Interview with Harris Savides - About Contrast
thefilmbook: Interview with Harris Savides - The Filmmaking Process
thefilmbook: Christopher Doyle Interview: Being There / Ready, Harris and Gus
thefilmbook: Harris Savides 1957 - 2012
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NY Times Harris Savides, Visual Poet, Dies at 55
Moving Image Source's interview with Harris as part of That 70s Look
Interview Harris Savides
Filmmaker The Toenail of the Curve: Remembering Harris Savides
The Guardian Harris Savides obituary
LA Times Harris Savides dies at 55; cinematographer on 'Zodiac' and 'Milk
Indiewire In Remembrance of Harris Savides: 1957-2012 | Press Play
Slate The Beautiful Cinematography of Harris Savides
The Hollywood Reporter Cinematographer Harris Savides Dies at 55
Everybody Hurts a video shot by Harris for REM
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