Robert Surtees Paintings

Robert Surtees was an American cinematographer who was born on August 9, 1922, in Covina, California. He was not primarily known as a traditional artist but as a master in the art of motion picture photography. Surtees started his career in Hollywood at an early age and became one of the most respected cinematographers in the industry. He was known for his versatility and ability to work across various genres, including drama, musicals, and epics.

Surtees began his career as an assistant cameraman, and after serving in World War II, he returned to Hollywood to continue his work in the film industry. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a director of photography in the late 1940s. His first film as a cinematographer was 'The Doctor and the Girl' (1949). He gained recognition for his work on 'King Solomon's Mines' (1950), which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

Throughout his career, Surtees received sixteen Academy Award nominations and won three Oscars. His accolades were for his work on 'King Solomon's Mines' (1950), 'The Bad and the Beautiful' (1952), and 'Ben-Hur' (1959). 'Ben-Hur' was particularly notable for its use of widescreen technology and its ambitious chariot race scene, which showcased Surtees' ability to capture complex action sequences with a dynamic visual style.

Some of Surtees' other notable films include 'Oklahoma!' (1955), where he applied his skills to the musical genre; 'The Graduate' (1967), which displayed his talent for intimate drama with a contemporary edge; and 'The Last Picture Show' (1971), which earned him another Academy Award nomination and showcased his adeptness with black-and-white cinematography in a modern setting.

Surtees' style was characterized by his ability to adapt to the visual needs of a story, whether it required lush color, stark black and white, or innovative camera techniques. He worked with many of the great directors of his time, including George Cukor, William Wyler, and Vincente Minnelli, among others. His last film was 'Blame It on Rio' (1984), after which he retired from the film industry.

Robert Surtees passed away on January 5, 2015, in Carmel, California. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the art of cinematography, and he is remembered as one of the great visual storytellers of the 20th century.