Claude Renoir

Apprenticed under noted cinematographers Christian Matras and Boris Kaufman and shot or co-shot several films directed by his uncle, Jean Renoir. Renoir did the photography for one of his uncle's cinematic apogees, "Un Partie de Campagne" (1936) and was the camera operator for the tragic, ebullient master text "Le Grande Illusion" (1937). As a cinematographer, Claude Renoir was responsible for the luminous color work of the "The River" (1951), "The Golden Coach" (1953) and "Elena and Her Men" (1955). He also generated the stark black-and-white compositions of Maurice Cloche's "Monsieur Vincent" (1947) and the psychedelic 60s colors of Roger Vadim's "Barbarella" (1967). Renoir has lensed a stunning array of films, including "Le Mystere Picasso" (1956), second unit work on "Cleopatra" (1963) and Bertrand Blier's "Calmos" (1975). After his final DP credit, "The Spy who Loved Me" (1977), Renoir worked as a cameraman on three films, as he, sadly, lost his sight. Son of character actor Pierre Renoir (1885-1952).

• Born:
  December 4, 1914 in Paris, France
• Died:
  September 5, 1993.
• Job Titles:
  Director of photography, Assistant director, Cameraman, Second unit photographer

Family

• Father: Pierre Renoir.
• Grandfather: Auguste Renoir.
• Uncle: Claude Renoir.
• Uncle: Jean Renoir.

Milestones

• 1934 Debut as cinematographer on uncle Jean Renoir s Toni
• 1938 Debut as an assistant director La Marseillaise
• 1942 Debut as a director, co-directing with Rene Lefevre Opera-Musette
• 1963 Debut as director of photography for Hollywood production 2nd unit Cleopatra
• 1977 Final credit as a director of photography, The Spy Who Loved Me
• 1979 Final feature credit (as camera operator), La Toubib/The Medic