Elemér Ragályi

Biography

Elemér Ragályi (April 18, 1939 – March 30, 2023) was one of Hungary's most acclaimed and influential cinematographers (or directors of photography). Known for his expressive lighting techniques and mastery of the camera, he had a distinguished career that spanned over five decades, contributing significantly to both Hungarian and international cinema.

Early Life and Artistic Style

Born in Budapest, Hungary, Ragályi began his work in the film industry in 1957, holding various roles like lighting engineer and lab technician at the Mafilm studio before graduating with a degree in cinematography in 1968. He quickly became one of the pioneering figures of the so-called "Illés School" in Hungarian film, known for a distinctive style characterized by skilled handheld camera work and naturalistic lighting.

Career in Hungarian and International Cinema

Ragályi's career was marked by collaboration with some of the most prominent Hungarian directors. His work on the film The Falcons (1970) won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and helped establish his reputation.

In the later part of his career, Ragályi gained significant international recognition, frequently working on major US and European television films and miniseries.

Notable Works and Awards

Academy Award Connection: He served as the cinematographer for the Swiss film Journey of Hope (1990), which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film (now Best International Feature).

Emmy Award: Ragályi won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography in 1996 for his work on the HBO television film Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny, which starred Alan Rickman.

Other Noteworthy Credits: His extensive filmography includes well-known international productions like Anne Frank: The Whole Story (2001) and Jakob the Liar (1999), as well as a great number of essential Hungarian films like The Football of the Good Old Days and The Door.

In addition to cinematography, Ragályi also served as a film director and screenwriter on a few of his own projects. He was honored with Hungary's prestigious Kossuth Prize in 1991 for his contributions to the arts. He passed away in March 2023 at the age of 83.