Michael Chapman, one of the great American cinematographers, has passed away at his home aged 84. Chapman was married to screenwriter Amy Holden Jones. His father-in-law, Joe Brun, was an Oscar-nominated cinematographer who had emigrated from France in the early 20th century.
Chapman photographed "Raging Bull," enough said. You’re probably asking yourself, "How the hell did he not win that year?" Well, Geoffrey Unsworth won instead for "Tess." No disrespect to Mr. Unsworth and his fantastic photography for the Roman Polanski epic, but Chapman’s work in "Raging Bull" is legendary. His use of black-and-white might be the definitive post-color statement of the medium, and the way he shot those boxing matches was, pardon my pun, a knockout. Even if he hadn’t done "Raging Bull" it would still be an impressive career.
He’s has had a huge influence on modern-day filmmaking, and his work in the ’70s American New Wave alone would be reason enough to award him the golden statuette. He hasn’t photographed a film in close to 15 years (2007’s Bridge to Terabithia). Other key works in his career include "The Last Detail," "Taxi Driver," "The Last Waltz," and his underrated work in "The Fugitive.,” for which he was was rewarded his second Oscar nomination.