This past Wednesday marked thirteen years since the passing of William A. Fraker, ASC, BSC. If he’s not commonly known as one of our greatest cinematographers, he damn well ought to be. I often ask myself, “How can such giants (he’s not the only one) be essentially forgotten by their community so shortly after they’ve died?” Though the answer is wrapped in the complexities and distractions of modern life, it’s not a valid excuse.
As we push-onward and create the future, it’s essential that we think of previous generations as active references. When we don’t, we’re adrift, not even aware that we’re a like a pebble bouncing around inside an empty can. In that case, progress we might think we’re making is really just a trend – and will vanish quicker than the family farm. For a jump-start example, take a look at album cover art from say, at least ten years ago. With few exceptions, it will illustrate the definition of the word, ‘dated.’ Luckily, a preventive treatment exists. An awareness of our history will help you to do something lasting, and with a good dose of dignity, at that.
So, this’s my little kick in the ass to everyone regarding those who have left us and the wonderful work they bequeathed. I consider Billy Fraker the epitome of what I always thought of as a “Hollywood cameraman.” If you’re the praying kind, murmur a few sacred words in his direction. If not, think of him in a kind way. If you just like to watch great-looking movies, pull one of his titles off the shelf and immerse yourself in his brilliance.
You won’t be forgetting him any time after that, I assure you.
ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS – Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977), Heaven Can Wait (1978), 1941 (also, Best Visual Effects; 1979), WarGames (1983), Murphy’s Romance (1985)
BAFTA NOMINATIONS – Bullitt (1968), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (with Haskell Wexler, ASC & Bill Butler, ASC; 1975), WarGames (Best Visual Effects; 1983)
ASC PRESIDENT – 1991-93
ASC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – 2000
CAMERIMAGE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – 2001
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Paint Your Wagon (1969)
The Day of the Dolphin (1973)
Gator (1976)
American Hot Wax (1978)
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
Honeymoon in Vegas (1992)
Town & Country (2001)
Tombstone (1993)
I wish I had gotten to know Billy. He is indeed the first person I think of when you say “Hollywood cameraman”. Every time I see a lens case that is about the size of Billy’s Bar I smile. His work on 1941 blows me away every time I see it. The effort he put into the details is something I continue to strive for.
God speed Billy. God bless.
Also shot the opening of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”! I’ve always loved his work, sort of the American version of the style of Geoffrey Unsworth, at least in the more romantic pictures.
“Heaven Can Wait” is one of the first films I ever watched, back when my we went to my aunt’s house and watched films like “Rocky” on BetaMax!
Also watched “Close Encounters” on the my aunt’s Beta Max. What classics! And I’ll be watching “1941” next. May the masters continue to live on in the work they poured their heart and soul into so that the world might become a better place!