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    Industry Mourns Oscar-Winning Cinematographer Andrew Lesnie

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments2346 Views
    In this March 24, 2002 file photo, Andrew Lesnie accepts his Oscar for achievement in cinematography for his work on the film "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" during the 74th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File

    Known for his work with director Peter Jackson on "Lord of the Rings" films

    SYDNEY (AP) --

    Oscar-winning Australian cinematographer Andrew Lesnie, best known for his work on "The Lord of the Rings," has died, friends and colleagues said Wednesday. He was 59.

    Lesnie died Monday after suffering from a serious heart condition for the past six months, the Australian Cinematographers Society said in a statement, after the group's president confirmed Lesnie's death with his family.

    Lesnie, a Sydney native, won an Academy Award in 2002 for "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," the first film in the series. He worked with New Zealand director Peter Jackson on all six "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" films, along with the 2005 remake of "King Kong" and "The Lovely Bones."

    In an emotional statement, Jackson said he considered Lesnie a brother who was a calm, steady and supportive presence on set and who never sought admiration despite being one of the greatest cinematographers of all time.

    "Andrew was an irreplaceable part of my family and I am in total disbelief that I'll never again hear his infectious laugh, nor benefit from his quiet wisdom, or enjoy his generous praise," Jackson wrote on his Facebook page. "Andrew created unforgettable, beautiful images on screen, and he did this time and again, because he only ever served what he believed in — he was his own artist, separate from me, but always working generously to make what we were trying to create together better."

    More recently, Lesnie worked on the Australian war drama "The Water Diviner" with Russell Crowe, who tweeted: "Devastating news from home. The master of the light, genius Andrew Lesnie has passed on."

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    Tags:Andrew LesnieLord of the RingsPeter Jackson



    Robert Eggers and Willem Dafoe Reunite For “Nosferatu”

    Tuesday, December 24, 2024

    When Willem Dafoe enjoys working with a filmmaker, he'll often jump at the chance to do it again.

    The list of directors with whom the 69-year-old has worked with more than once is extensive, including Wes Anderson,Yorgos Lanthimos,Paul Schrader,Lars von Trier and, now for a third time, Robert Eggers. "If it's good, you come back," Dafoe said plainly.

    The pair spoke about Eggers' adaptation of "Nosferatu" that hits theaters Wednesday, some of the challenges they faced making "The Lighthouse" — their first project together released in 2019 — and the unique relationship that exists between actors and directors.

    The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

    Q: Willem, I read that you called Robert after you saw "The Witch." What did you say?

    DAFOE: I want to meet you and I want to know who this filmmaker is.

    Q: What is it about him that keeps bringing you back?

    DAFOE: Well, if it's good, you come back. When I saw "The Witch," I thought, "Wow, this is a film about a period that I'm not particularly knowledgeable about, but I enter it so easily. This is relevant. It's rooted. It's my story. I'm with these people."

    That's quite an incredible trick because a lot of period films, they're always pointing to themselves. They're always sending messages. They're always showing. This had a kind of energy and the kind of physicality and sensuality that I thought, "Who does this? I gotta see this guy." And then I had a wonderful experience in "The Lighthouse" and I played a part that was really fun in "The Northman." So, when he wants to do this passion project and offers me this beautiful role of Professor Von Franz, I say,... Read More

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