LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Director Gordon Willis attends the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Inaugural Governors Awards held at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center on November 14, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Gordon Willis
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/2009 Getty Images
Godfather cinematographer Gordon Willis passed away today, at the age of 82. Willis, who was known as the Prince of Darkness for his bold use of shadows, was one of the most influential cinematographers of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Along with all three Godfather movies, he served as director of photography on films including All the President’s Men, Manhattan, and Annie Hall. “This is a momentous loss,” American Society of Cinematographers president Richard Crudo told Deadline. “He was one of the giants who absolutely changed the way movies looked. Up until the time of The Godfather 1 and 2, nothing previously shot looked that way. He changed the way films looked and the way people looked at films.” The cause of death has not been released.
