Richard Leacock
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.
Personal Details
Also Known As
Movies (49)
Monica in the South Seas
as Self
2023
Robert Drew & Associates at the Museum of Tolerance
as Self
2016
How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy
as Self
2014
Ricky on Leacock
as Self
2012
Mario Ruspoli, Prince of the Whales
as Self
2011
BodySongs
Camera Operator (Camera)
2011
A Boatload of Wild Irishmen
as Himself
2010
Morris Engel: The Independent
as Self
2008
A President to Remember: In the Company of John F. Kennedy
Cinematography (Crew)
2008
Monterey Pop: The Outtake Performances
Cinematography (Crew)
2002
The Last Documentary
as Self
2000
Flora Natapoff - An American Painter
Director (Directing)
1999
Cinéma! Cinéma! The French New Wave
as Self
1992
Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Music
Camera Operator (Camera)
1992
Les oeufs à la coque de Richard Leacock
Director (Directing)
1991
Message to Man
as Himself
1989
Shake! Otis at Monterey
Camera Operator (Camera)
1987
Jimi Plays Monterey
Camera Operator (Camera)
1987
Working Girls
as Joseph
1987
Louise Brooks
Director (Directing)
1986
Lulu in Berlin
as Interviewer
1984
Ein Film für Bossak und Leacock
1984
Community of Praise
Director (Directing)
1983
Rebuilding an Old Japanese House
Director (Directing)
1981
Light Coming Through: A Portrait of Maud Morgan
Director (Directing)
1980
Centerbeam
Director (Directing)
1977
Solstice and Solyanka
1975
Little Richard: Keep on Rockin'
Director of Photography (Camera)
1973
1 P.M.
as Self
1971
Maidstone
Cinematography (Crew)
1971
Queen of Apollo
Director (Directing)
1970
Original Cast Album: Company
Director of Photography (Camera)
1970
Chiefs
Director (Directing)
1968
Monterey Pop
Camera Operator (Camera)
1968
French Lunch
Director of Photography (Camera)
1968
Two American Audiences: La Chinoise - A Film in the Making
Director (Directing)
1968
RainForest
Director (Directing)
1968
A Stravinsky Portrait
Editor (Editing)
1967
Ku Klux Klan—The Invisible Empire
Director (Directing)
1965
Elizabeth and Mary
Producer (Production)
1965
Campaign Manager
Director (Directing)
1964
Lambert, Hendrick & Co.
Director (Directing)
1964
A Happy Mother's Day
Director (Directing)
1963
The Chair
Cinematography (Crew)
1963
Mooney vs. Fowle
Director (Directing)
1962
Jane
Director of Photography (Camera)
1962
Nehru
Director (Directing)
1962
Kenya: Land of the White Ghost
Director (Directing)
1962
On the Pole: Eddie Sachs
Director (Directing)
1961
