Jeff Cronenweth

Biography

Jeffrey Scott Cronenweth, ASC (born January 14, 1962, in Los Angeles, California) is an acclaimed American cinematographer, widely recognized for his distinct visual style and his frequent collaborations with director David Fincher. Carrying on a legacy, he is the son of Jordan Cronenweth, one of the most influential cinematographers in motion picture history, known for his work on "Blade Runner."

Early Life and Apprenticeship: Cronenweth's immersion in the film industry began early. He worked with his father as a camera loader and second assistant camera during high school, steadily progressing to first assistant camera and then camera operator by the mid-1990s. He also graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. This extensive apprenticeship allowed him to learn from legendary cinematographers such as Sven Nykvist, John Toll, Conrad L. Hall, and his father.

Defining Collaborations and Distinctive Style: Jeff Cronenweth's career as a Director of Photography truly launched with David Fincher's "Fight Club" (1999). This collaboration marked the beginning of a highly fruitful partnership, where Cronenweth became known for his masterful use of light and shadow, often creating a rich, moody, and meticulously crafted visual language that perfectly complements Fincher's narratives. His distinctive style includes a preference for shooting in low light, often wide open, and an ability to elegantly weave a visual language throughout a story.

His notable collaborations with David Fincher include:

• "Fight Club" (1999): His feature debut as a DP, which showcased his innovative approach to cinematography.
• "The Social Network" (2010): Earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.
• "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2011): Received his second Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography.
• "Gone Girl" (2014): Further solidified his reputation for creating compelling and often dark visual aesthetics.

Beyond Fincher and Other Notable Works: While his work with Fincher is iconic, Cronenweth has also lent his talents to a variety of other acclaimed films and projects:

• "One Hour Photo" (2002): Directed by Mark Romanek.
• "K-19: The Widowmaker" (2002): Directed by Kathryn Bigelow.
• "Hitchcock" (2012): Starring Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren.
• "Being the Ricardos" (2021): Directed by Aaron Sorkin, earning him praise for capturing the period aesthetic.
• "Tales from the Loop" (2020): His television debut, for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Cinematography.

In addition to feature films and television, Cronenweth is also celebrated for his work on stylish and award-winning music videos and commercials, collaborating with various directors and artists like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, P!nk, and Maroon 5.

Recognition and Future Projects: Jeff Cronenweth was invited to join the cinematographers branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2004. He has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career, including two Academy Awards and multiple American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Awards.

He continues to be an in-demand cinematographer, with upcoming projects including "Tron: Ares" (2025), set for release in October 2025. His dedication to his craft and his ability to consistently deliver visually stunning and impactful imagery have firmly established him as one of the most respected cinematographers working today.