Geoffrey Unsworth

Former camera operator who graduated to cinematographer in the mid-1940s. Unsworth demonstrated a deft command of black-and-white in films such the documentary-like "A Night to Remember" (1958) but was chiefly noted for his lush color work, particularly on period films. Unsworth won a British Film Academy award (Stella) for "Becket" (1964) and, in addition to shooting "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968), is credited with helping devise some of its ground-breaking special effects. Unsworth's other outstanding credits include "Cabaret" (1973), for which he won his first Oscar, and Roman Polanski's sumptuous "Tess" (1979), during the production of which he died of a heart attack. His Oscar for "Tess" was shared with Ghislain Cloquet.

• Born:
  in London, England
• Died:
  October 29, 1978.
• Job Titles:
  Director of photography, Camera assistant, Cameraman

Milestones

• 1937 Joined Technicolor
• 1946 Made debut as director of photography on "The Laughing Lady"
• 1978 Died of a heart attack in Brittany while on location shooting Roman Polanski's "Tess" (1979), his last feature
• 1978 One of last films worked on, "Superman", dedicated on screen to his memory
• Began career as camera assistant at Gaumont British studios at Shepherds Bush
• Joined Rank Organization
• Worked as camera operator on Michael Powell-Emeric Pressbuger's "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" (1943) and "A Matter of Life and Death" (1946)