Oswald Morris

[billy bentley]

Earlier today I introduced my 19 year old son to "The Hill". The cinematography was , as many know outstanding and yet for some reason I was not familiar with Oswald Morris's name. A quick visit to IMDB informed me that I am very familiar with his work. What a talent !

[smudge]

His autobiography, "Huston...we have a problem." is an excellent read if you wish to learn more about his life and work.

Smudge

[christoph404]

His autobiography, "Huston...we have a problem." is an excellent read if you wish to learn more about his life and work.

Smudge

I had no idea he had written a book so I've just gone and bought it on Amazon this very minute! Jack Cardiff's book "The Magic Hour" is hugely enjoyable as is Freddie Young's "Seventy Light Years" so Im looking forward to reading about Ossie ,as he was known. Those guys were more than technicians, they were artists and Ossie Morris was certainly up there with Cardiff and Young. Thanks for that tip Smudge, you've left me £22 poorer but thats okay, its your round if we meet one day!

[smudge]

I had no idea he had written a book so I've just gone and bought it on Amazon this very minute! Jack Cardiff's book "The Magic Hour" is hugely enjoyable as is Freddie Young's "Seventy Light Years" so Im looking forward to reading about Ossie ,as he was known. Those guys were more than technicians, they were artists and Ossie Morris was certainly up there with Cardiff and Young. Thanks for that tip Smudge, you've left me £22 poorer but thats okay, its your round if we meet one day!

It would be my pleasure to buy you a round and natter about cinematographers! I have got Magic Hour & Seventy Light Years and enjoyed them immensely. As you say, artists both and you'd be very hard pushed to choose a 'top' between them.

Duncan Petrie's,"The British Cinematographer" is a handy general guide and Alan Hume did his own book too, "Life Through A Lens". Mo Gillett's, "Light 'Em Up!" is a view from the rig and a decent read too.

Smudge

[christoph404]

Cheers Smudge, I'll have a look out for those.

[billy bentley]

Once again the knowledge of a Britmovie contributor is outstanding. Chapeau Smudge !

[pelam123]

One of the all time great British Cinematographers.He's particularly noted for his innovative work in colour.The book is a great read and his war record,as one of the best bomber pilots in the RAF,is fascinating. He's hugely admired and respected by directors and DOP's across the industry.

Other cinematography media to look out for is the Haskell Wexler doc/bio "Tell Them Who You are" and his great film Medium Cool. The late David Watkin's "Was Clara Schumann a Fag Hag" (don't let the title put you off!) and Alex Thomson BSC's excellent "Take One".

[Charlie Croker]

Had the pleasure of meeting Ossie Morris a few years ago when Ronald Neame was at the NFT signing his autobiography. Asked him to sign Ronnies book and he couldn't believe i wanted his autograph. Very modest, charming man. He appeared rather frail then but has outlived Ronnie Neame who then in his 90's was a picture of health. Will look out for Ossies book, a real craftsman.