Joseph Ruttenberg

Biography

Joseph Ruttenberg (July 4, 1889 – May 1, 1983) was a Russian-born American cinematographer and photojournalist who became one of the most respected directors of photography during Hollywood's Golden Age. Over a career lasting more than five decades, he worked on more than 100 films and received 10 Academy Award nominations, winning four times.

Early Life

Joseph Ruttenberg was born on July 4, 1889, in St. Petersburg, Russia. His family moved to the United States when he was a child and eventually settled in Boston. He developed his photographic skills while working in journalism, first taking jobs connected with newspapers and later becoming a news photographer and darkroom technician.

His early experience in newspaper photography gave him valuable training in lighting, composition, and working quickly under difficult conditions.

Beginning in Film

Ruttenberg entered the film industry in the 1910s, joining the Fox Film Corporation in New York. He progressed from assistant cameraman to cinematographer and worked on silent films, with The Painted Madonna (1917) among his early cinematography credits.

He later worked at Paramount's Kaufman Astoria Studios before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s, as the industry transitioned successfully from silent films to sound pictures.

Career at MGM

In 1934, Ruttenberg joined Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), where he spent much of his distinguished career. He became known for his sophisticated lighting and camera techniques, including innovative use of cranes and dolly movements.

His cinematography frequently emphasized actors by keeping them sharply focused while softening the background, creating a striking three-dimensional effect. He was especially respected for his work in black-and-white cinematography during the 1930s and 1940s.

Among his notable films from this period were Fury (1936), The Great Waltz (1938), Three Comrades (1938), Waterloo Bridge (1940), The Philadelphia Story (1940), Mrs. Miniver (1942), and Random Harvest (1942).

Academy Award Success

Ruttenberg became one of the most successful cinematographers in Academy Awards history. He won the Oscar for Best Cinematography four times:

• The Great Waltz (1938)
• Mrs. Miniver (1942)
• Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)
• Gigi (1958)

He also received nominations for films including Waterloo Bridge, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Madame Curie, Gaslight, Julius Caesar, and Butterfield 8.

Work in Color

During the 1950s, Ruttenberg successfully adapted his skills to color cinematography. His work on Brigadoon (1954) earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Cinematography – Color.

He later photographed Somebody Up There Likes Gigi and Me, demonstrating his versatility across both dramatic black-and-white photography and richly designed color productions. His work on Gigi earned his fourth Academy Award.

Notable Films

Some of Joseph Ruttenberg's best-known cinematography credits include:

• The Great Waltz (1938)
• Three Comrades (1938)
• Waterloo Bridge (1940)
• The Philadelphia Story (1940)
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)
• Mrs. Miniver (1942)
• Random Harvest (1942)
• Gaslight (1944)
• Julius Caesar (1953)
• Brigadoon (1954)
• Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)
• Gigi (1958)
• Butterfield 8 (1960)

His work on Mrs. Miniver and Gigi was particularly significant because both films won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Later Career and Retirement

After leaving MGM, Ruttenberg continued working as a freelancer. He remained active in cinematography through the 1960s, with credits including Harlow (1965) and The Oscar (1966). He eventually retired from cinematography in 1968.

He was also a member of the American Society of Cinematographers and was honored by the organization for his contribution to the art and craft of cinematography.

Personal Life

Ruttenberg was married to Rose Ruttenberg, and they had a daughter, Virginia. He remained closely associated with the American film industry throughout his professional life.

Death

Joseph Ruttenberg died on May 1, 1983, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 93.