James Glennon

Biography

James Glennon, born James Michael Glennon on August 29, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, was an American cinematographer known for his diverse and impactful work across film and television. The son of renowned cinematographer Bert Glennon and script supervisor Mary Coleman, James Glennon inherited a keen eye for visual storytelling, becoming a highly respected artist in his own right.

Early Life and Entry into the Film Industry

Growing up in a film family, Glennon and his brothers learned about photography from their father. His journey into the industry began unconventionally, working in the mailroom at Warner Bros. It was there that he formed a unique connection with studio head Jack L. Warner, who advised him to buy a motion picture camera and offer his services for free. This advice, combined with an early opportunity on the set of Gilligan's Island, propelled him into the camera department, setting him on the path to follow in his father's footsteps.

Glennon's early career involved working as a camera operator on significant films such as The Conversation (1974), Ordinary People (1980), and Altered States (1980).

Career Breakthrough and Notable Works

James Glennon gained widespread notice as a cinematographer with the groundbreaking film El Norte (1983). This powerful drama showcased his ability to capture raw emotion and stark realities through his lens.

Throughout his career, Glennon worked steadily, demonstrating remarkable versatility across various genres and styles. He became a sought-after collaborator for many directors, notably forming a partnership with director Alexander Payne, for whom he photographed three films: Citizen Ruth (1996), Election (1999), and About Schmidt (2002).

His television work was equally distinguished:

• Deadwood (2004-2006): Glennon served as the principal cinematographer for the entire run of this highly acclaimed HBO Western series. His work on Deadwood earned him a Primetime Emmy Award in 2005, a testament to his ability to craft rich, gritty, and atmospheric visuals that perfectly complemented the show's dark tone.
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• The West Wing (1999): He contributed his cinematography to this popular political drama.
• Carnivàle (2003): He was the director of photography for several episodes of this unique HBO fantasy series.
• Big Love (2006): Glennon also worked on this HBO drama, known for its complex family dynamics.

Other notable film credits include:

• Flight of the Navigator (1986)
• Smooth Talk (1985)
• My Wicked, Wicked Ways: The Legend of Errol Flynn (1985), a project that interestingly connected him to his father's work, as Bert Glennon had photographed Errol Flynn in four films.
• The United States of Leland (2003)
• The Big White (2005)
• Good Boy! (2003)

Personal Interests and Legacy

Beyond his professional accomplishments, James Glennon was known as a "Renaissance man" with widely varied interests. He served as a judge for the Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. He also operated Malibu Water Resources, a water aeration program, and even farmed clams in the Pacific Northwest. He was admired by his colleagues for his optimism, encouragement, and generous spirit.

James Glennon passed away unexpectedly on October 19, 2006, at the age of 64, due to a blood clot following surgery. He was a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) since 1994 and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Cinematographers Branch). His legacy is honored through the UCLA Foundation/Jim Glennon Cinematography Memorial Fund, reflecting his significant contributions to the art of cinematography. He was married to Charmaine Witus and had four children: Meghan, Allison, Andrew, and Juliet.