American Cinematographer - August 2014 - 88

Close-up

Kramer Morgenthau, ASC

When you were a child, what film made the strongest
impression on you?
My father produced documentaries for PBS, so from a very early age
I was aware of the power of moving pictures and visual storytelling.

What has been your most satisfying moment on a project?
I love the feeling of a great day on set. When everyone is in sync, all
the planning and hard work comes together and a bit of magic
happens. It's a little like dancing or playing jazz.

Which cinematographers, past or present, do you
most admire?
Gregg Toland [ASC], for his brilliant expressionistic lighting and
composition; Conrad Hall [ASC], for combining expressionism and
realism; Chris Menges [ASC,
BSC], for, among other things, his
sophisticated use of color; Néstor
Almendros [ASC], for his naturalistic lighting approach; and
Christopher Doyle [HKSC], for
reminding us that there are still
many things yet to be explored.

Have you made any memorable blunders?
Early in my career, I was so focused on light that I was not always
sensitive enough to the actor's process and how delicate that can be.
Simple things like standing in the actor's eyeline, blocking his or her
eyeline with equipment, or
asking actors to do illogical
things are some of the many
mistakes I've made.

Where did you train and/or study?
I studied film in college at the University of Rochester. After I graduated, I moved to New York City and just started working on any films
I could get. I worked in the grip and electrical department on indie
movies and shot short films for film students. I learned to tell a story
with a camera on my shoulder while shooting documentaries.
Who were your early teachers or mentors?
I am mostly an autodidact. I have tremendous respect for the apprenticeship system. It just wasn't in my cards.
What are some of your key artistic influences?
Caravaggio may be obvious but is a huge influence for me. I've made
pilgrimages to churches and museums all over to see his work. For
each project, it's different, but looking at ways great artists have used
light and color is always inspiring and gives me courage to take a
visual stand on a project. I also love music, especially jazz and the
blues; I think rhythm and improvisation play a strong role in my work,
and some of that comes from feeling the material in a musical way.
How did you get your first break in the business?
There was no single event that occurred. It took several people believing in me and giving me opportunities to shoot and gather a reel.

August 2014

What recent books, films or
artworks have inspired you?
Gravity is a beautiful piece of
filmmaking. It feels very much
like what the future of our art
form might look like. I was very inspired by James Turrell's light sculptures in his recent LACMA exhibit. Another inspiration is Todd Hido's
book Outskirts.
Do you have any favorite genres, or genres you would like
to try?
I'd love to shoot a Western or a musical. In general, my favorite
scripts move the audience in a profound way and perhaps have
social, historical or political resonance.
If you weren't a cinematographer, what might you be
doing instead?
I'd be a landscape architect or a chef.
Which ASC cinematographers recommended
for membership?
Owen Roizman, Amy Vincent and Matthew Libatique.

you

How has ASC membership impacted your life and career?
It's a huge honor. I feel proud every time I go to the Clubhouse. It's
also really helpful to have a network of peers to talk to about work
and the changing technology. Being in the ASC has given me a
sense of accomplishment. I never imagined having those letters after
my name when I started out.
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American Cinematographer

Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon, SMPSP.

What sparked your interest in
photography?
I've always sought nonverbal,
right-brained means of expressing my creativity. For me, it was
first through music. I discovered
photography later.

What is the best professional
advice you've ever received?
'In this business, if you aren't
early, you are late.'

American Cinematographer - August 2014

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