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.

Known For

1 P.M.

as Self

Lulu in Berlin

as Interviewer

Cinéma! Cinéma! The French New Wave

as Self

How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy

as Self

Robert Drew & Associates at the Museum of Tolerance

as Self

Monica in the South Seas

as Self

Mario Ruspoli, Prince of the Whales

as Self

A Boatload of Wild Irishmen

as Himself

The Last Documentary

as Self

Ricky on Leacock

as Self