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.
Filmography
Cast Credits
Monica in the South Seas
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2023
Robert Drew & Associates at the Museum of Tolerance
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2016
How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2014
Ricky on Leacock
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2012
Mario Ruspoli, Prince of the Whales
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2011
A Boatload of Wild Irishmen
Character: Himself
MOVIE • 2010
Morris Engel: The Independent
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2008
The Last Documentary
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2000
Cinéma! Cinéma! The French New Wave
Character: Self
MOVIE • 1992
Message to Man
Character: Himself
MOVIE • 1989
Working Girls
Character: Joseph
MOVIE • 1987
Lulu in Berlin
Character: Interviewer
MOVIE • 1984
Ein Film für Bossak und Leacock
Character:
MOVIE • 1984
Solstice and Solyanka
Character:
MOVIE • 1975
1 P.M.
Character: Self
MOVIE • 1971
Crew
Crew Credits
BodySongs
Role: Camera Operator
MOVIE • 2011
A President to Remember: In the Company of John F. Kennedy
Role: Cinematography
MOVIE • 2008
A President to Remember: In the Company of John F. Kennedy
Role: Editor
MOVIE • 2008
Monterey Pop: The Outtake Performances
Role: Cinematography
MOVIE • 2002
Flora Natapoff - An American Painter
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1999
Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Music
Role: Camera Operator
MOVIE • 1992
Les oeufs à la coque de Richard Leacock
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1991
Shake! Otis at Monterey
Role: Camera Operator
MOVIE • 1987
Jimi Plays Monterey
Role: Camera Operator
MOVIE • 1987
Louise Brooks
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1986
Lulu in Berlin
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1984
Lulu in Berlin
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1984
Community of Praise
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1983
Middletown
Role: Director
TV • 1982
Rebuilding an Old Japanese House
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1981
Light Coming Through: A Portrait of Maud Morgan
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1980
Centerbeam
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1977
Little Richard: Keep on Rockin'
Role: Director of Photography
MOVIE • 1973
1 P.M.
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1971
1 P.M.
Role: Director of Photography
MOVIE • 1971