Victor J. Kemper

Biography

Victor J. Kemper (1927–2023) was a highly respected American cinematographer whose career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on some of the most iconic films of the "New Hollywood" era and beyond. Known for his ability to craft both gritty realism and warm comedic tones, Kemper was a versatile talent behind the camera.

Early Life and Entry into Filmmaking:

Born on April 14, 1927, in Newark, New Jersey, Victor Jay Kemper initially displayed a keen interest in electronics. After graduating from Seton Hall University, he began his career in television, where he honed his skills in various technical roles, including sound operation, mixing, camera repair, and serving as a technical director. His early self-training in black-and-white videotape technology in California positioned him uniquely upon his return to the East Coast. He transitioned to film, starting as an assistant cameraman, where he learned the intricacies of film cameras.

Breakthrough and Notable Collaborations:

Kemper's breakthrough as a cinematographer came in 1970 with John Cassavetes' Husbands. This challenging production, which involved shooting a vast amount of film on location, served as a "head-first" immersion into feature film cinematography. This collaboration set the stage for a prolific career working with many of the leading directors of the 1970s and beyond, including:

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• Sidney Lumet: Most notably on the acclaimed Dog Day Afternoon (1975), a film praised for its raw, immediate visual style.
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• Arthur Hiller: A frequent collaborator, with films like The Hospital (1971) and later comedies such as See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) and Married to It (1991).
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• Carl Reiner: Lending his eye to comedies like Oh, God! (1977), The One and Only (1978), and The Jerk (1979).
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• George Roy Hill: Capturing the gritty world of hockey in Slap Shot (1977).
• Norman Jewison: On the powerful legal drama ...And Justice for All (1979).
• Tim Burton: On the cult classic Pee-wee's Big Adventure (1985).
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• Other significant films in his extensive filmography include The Candidate (1972), The Gambler (1974), The Last Tycoon (1976), Coma (1978), National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), and Clue (1985).

Style and Contributions:

Kemper was known for his versatility and his ability to adapt his visual approach to the demands of the story and the director. He often employed a naturalistic, almost documentary-like style for dramas, lending an authentic feel to the narratives. For comedies, he demonstrated a keen understanding of timing and the importance of capturing precise reactions. He notably stated that comedy was often more challenging to shoot than drama due to these demands.

Beyond his work on film, Kemper also contributed to television, earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or a Special for Kojak: The Price of Justice (1987).

Leadership and Legacy:

A respected figure within the industry, Victor J. Kemper was a dedicated member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), serving as its President from 1993 to 1996 and again from 1999 to 2001. The ASC honored him with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998, recognizing his significant contributions to the art and craft of cinematography.

Victor J. Kemper passed away on November 27, 2023, at the age of 96, in Sherman Oaks, California. His rich and varied body of work stands as a testament to his skill and enduring impact on American cinema.