Renowned cinematographer Victor J. Kemper passed away at 96 years old. Formerly president of the American Society of Cinematographers, the organization announced his death via an Instagram post.
Kemper was known for his work in films like Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Beethoven, and Dog Day Afternoon. In an interview, he recalled how his first film, Husbands, directed by John Cassavetes, was a learning experience due to Cassavetes’ perfectionism. “We shot more than a million-and-a-half feet of film during ten weeks in New York and twelve weeks in London,” Kemper recounted. Soon, Kemper would work with Cassavetes again in his drama film Mikey & Nicky. Even though it was difficult, it would prove worth the effort as he progressed in his career.
According to Kemper, comedy was more challenging to shoot than drama due to the necessary timing. On the one hand, some shots had to be carefully chosen to capture the comedic essence of each scene, from reactions to the environment. “Everyone in the cast has to be looking in the right place at the right time and responding flawlessly,” he explained. On the other hand, it was essential to avoid over-preparing in rehearsals. Otherwise, the scene will lose “its edge, and it’s not funny anymore.”
Kemper was soon awarded for all of his work in the industry by the ASC and was given the ASC Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. In their Instagram post, the ASC honored his memory and promised to publish a memorial piece.
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