Richard Leacock
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.
Photos
Films (72)
Monica in the South Seas
2023 · Self, Camera Operator
Robert Drew & Associates at the Museum of Tolerance
2016 · Self
How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy
2014 · Self
Ricky on Leacock
2012 · Self
My Paris Movie
2011
Mario Ruspoli, Prince of the Whales
2011 · Self
BodySongs
2011 · Camera Operator
A Boatload of Wild Irishmen
2010 · Self
Morris Engel: The Independent
2008 · Self
JFK : Un président pour l'histoire
2008 · Cinematography, Editor
Monterey Pop - The Outtake Performances
2002 · Cinematography
As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty
2000 · Self
The Last Documentary
2000 · Self
Flora Natapoff - An American Painter
1999 · Director
Birth of a Nation
1997 · Self
Cinéma! Cinéma! The French New Wave
1992 · Self
Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Music
1992 · Camera Operator
Les oeufs à la coque de Richard Leacock
1991 · Director
Message to Man
1989 · Self
Shake! Otis at Monterey
1987 · Camera Operator
Jimi Plays Monterey
1987 · Camera Operator
Working Girls
1987 · Joseph
Sherman's March
1986 · Self - Historical Narration (voice)
Louise Brooks
1986 · Director
Lulu in Berlin
1984 · Self - Interviewer, Director, Producer
Ein Film für Bossak und Leacock
1984
Community of Praise
1983 · Director
Rebuilding an Old Japanese House
1981 · Director
Light Coming Through: A Portrait of Maud Morgan
1980 · Director
Centerbeam
1977 · Director
Solstice and Solyanka
1975
Little Richard: Keep on Rockin'
1973 · Director of Photography
Reality's Invisible
1972 · Self
Tread
1972 · Director
1 P.M.
1971 · Self, Director, Director of Photography, Producer
Maidstone
1971 · Cinematography
Queen of Apollo
1970 · Director, Camera Operator
Original Cast Album: Company
1970 · Director of Photography
Chiefs
1968 · Director
Monterey Pop
1968 · Camera Operator
French Lunch
1968 · Director of Photography
Two American Audiences: La Chinoise - A Film in the Making
1968 · Director
RainForest
1968 · Director
A Stravinsky Portrait
1967 · Director, Editor, Director of Photography
Ku Klux Klan—The Invisible Empire
1965 · Director
Elizabeth and Mary
1965 · Producer
Campaign Manager
1964 · Director, Director of Photography
Lambert & Co.
1964 · Director
A Happy Mother's Day
1963 · Director
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment
1963 · Director
The Chair
1963 · Editor, Cinematography, Director
Mooney vs. Fowle
1962 · Director
Jane
1962 · Director of Photography
Nehru
1962 · Director
Kenya: Land of the White Ghost
1962 · Director
On the Pole: Eddie Sachs
1961 · Director, Cinematography
Adventures on the New Frontier
1961 · Director
The Children Were Watching
1961 · Director
Primary
1960 · Camera Operator, Editor, Director of Photography
ABC Close-Up: Yanki, No!
1960 · Director of Photography
Frames of Reference
1960 · Producer, Director
Integration Report 1
1960 · Camera Operator
Christopher and Me
1960 · Director, Director of Photography
A Magnet Laboratory
1959 · Director
Brussels Loops
1958 · Director
American Football
1957 · Director of Photography
A Conversation with Marcel Duchamp
1956 · Director of Photography
Toby and the Tall Corn
1954 · Camera Operator, Director, Editor, Writer
Jazz Dance
1954 · Director of Photography
Louisiana Story
1948 · Associate Producer, Director of Photography
To Hear Your Banjo Play
1947 · Director of Photography
Canary Island Bananas
1935 · Director, Writer
