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.
Directed 30
1990s
- 1999
Flora Natapoff - An American Painter
Director
- 1991
Les oeufs à la coque de Richard Leacock
Director
1980s
- 1986
Louise Brooks
Director
- 1984
Lulu in Berlin
Director
- 1983
Community of Praise
Director
- 1982
Middletown
Director
- 1981
Rebuilding an Old Japanese House
Director
- 1980
Light Coming Through: A Portrait of Maud Morgan
Director
1970s
- 1977
Centerbeam
Director
- 1971
1 P.M.
Director
- 1970
Queen of Apollo
Director
1960s
- 1968
Chiefs
Director
Two American Audiences: La Chinoise - A Film in the Making
Director
RainForest
Director
- 1967
A Stravinsky Portrait
Director
- 1965
Ku Klux Klan—The Invisible Empire
Director
- 1964
Campaign Manager
Director
- 1963
A Happy Mother's Day
Director
The Chair
Director
- 1962
Mooney vs. Fowle
Director
Nehru
Director
- 1961
On the Pole: Eddie Sachs
Director
Adventures on the New Frontier
Director
- 1960
ABC Close-Up!
Director
Christopher and Me
Director
1950s
- 1959
A Magnet Laboratory
Director
- 1958
Brussels Loops
Director
- 1952
1930s
- 1935
Canary Island Bananas
Director
Camera 21
2020s
- 2023
Monica in the South Seas
Camera Operator
1990s
- 1992
Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Music
Camera Operator
1970s
- 1973
Little Richard: Keep on Rockin'
Director of Photography
- 1971
1 P.M.
Director of Photography
- 1970
Queen of Apollo
Camera Operator
1960s
- 1968
French Lunch
Director of Photography
- 1967
A Stravinsky Portrait
Director of Photography
- 1964
Campaign Manager
Director of Photography
- 1962
Jane
Director of Photography
- 1960
ABC Close-Up: Yanki, No!
Director of Photography
Integration Report 1
Camera Operator
Christopher and Me
Director of Photography
1950s
- 1956
A Conversation with Marcel Duchamp
Director of Photography
- 1954
Jazz Dance
Director of Photography
1940s
- 1948
Louisiana Story
Director of Photography
- 1947
To Hear Your Banjo Play
Director of Photography
Other crew 5
2000s
- 2008
A President to Remember: In the Company of John F. Kennedy
Cinematography
- 2002
Monterey Pop - The Outtake Performances
Cinematography
1970s
- 1971
Maidstone
Cinematography
1960s
- 1963
The Chair
Cinematography
- 1961
On the Pole: Eddie Sachs
Cinematography
Edited 4
2000s
- 2008
A President to Remember: In the Company of John F. Kennedy
Editor
1960s
- 1967
A Stravinsky Portrait
Editor
- 1963
The Chair
Editor
- 1960
Produced 4
1980s
- 1984
Lulu in Berlin
Producer
1970s
- 1971
1 P.M.
Producer
1960s
- 1960
ABC Close-Up!
Producer
1940s
- 1948
Louisiana Story
Associate Producer
Acted in 3
Wrote 1
1930s
- 1935
Canary Island Bananas
Writer
Appearances12
2020s
- 2023
Monica in the South Seas
Self
2010s
- 2014
How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy
Self
- 2011
Mario Ruspoli, Prince of the Whales
Self
- 2010
A Boatload of Wild Irishmen
Self
2000s
- 2008
Morris Engel: The Independent
Self
- 2000
As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty
Self
1990s
- 1997
Birth of a Nation
Self
1980s
- 1989
Message to Man
Self
- 1986
Sherman's March
Self - Historical Narration (voice)
- 1984
Lulu in Berlin
Self - Interviewer
1970s
- 1972
Reality's Invisible
Self
- 1971
1 P.M.
Self