Freddie Francis
Frederick William Francis (22 December 1917 – 17 March 2007) was an English cinematographer and film director.
Freddie Francis | |
|---|---|
Historical photo of Francis | |
| Born | 22 December 1917 Islington, London, England |
| Died | 17 March 2007 (aged 89) Isleworth, London, England |
| Resting place | Mortlake Crematorium, Kew, London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Cinematographer, film director |
| Years active | 1937–1999 |
| Spouses | Gladys Dorrell
(m. 1940; div. 1961)Pamela Mann (m. 1963) |
| Awards | Academy Award for Best Cinematography 1960 Sons and Lovers 1989 Glory |
Francis started his film career as a cameraman for John Huston and for the directing team of Powell and Pressburger before becoming a cinematographer for British films such as Jack Cardiff's Sons and Lovers (1960), Jack Clayton's drama Room at the Top (1959) and psychological horror film The Innocents (1961). He became known for his collaborations with David Lynch with The Elephant Man (1980), Dune (1984), and The Straight Story (1999). He also earned acclaim for his work on The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) starring Meryl Streep, and Martin Scorsese's Cape Fear (1991). As a director, he was associated with the British production companies Amicus and Hammer in the 1960s and 1970s.
Francis earned many accolades, including two Academy Awards for Sons and Lovers (1960) and Glory (1989). He also earned five British Academy Film Award nominations, as well as an international achievement award from the American Society of Cinematographers in 1997 and BAFTA's special achievement award in 2004.