
Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff (2010) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In 2001 Jack Cardiff (1914-2009) became the first director of photography in the history of the Academy Awards to win an Honorary Oscar. But the first time he clasped the famous statuette in his hand was a half-century earlier when his Technicolor camerawork was awarded for Powell and Pressburger's Black Narcissus. Beyond John Huston's The African Queen and King Vidor's War and Peace, the films of the British-Hungarian creative duo (The Red Shoes and A Matter of Life and Death too) guaranteed immortality for the renowned cameraman… Sign up for the full guide
Rated NR • 2010 • 1h 26m
This documentary celebrates the life and work of acclaimed cinematographer Jack Cardiff. The film's content concerns stem entirely from clips of classic movies he filmed, not from the interviews. Parents should be aware of mature thematic material discussed and shown, particularly from "Black Narcissus," which includes scenes of psychological hysteria, repressed sexuality, and a tense struggle leading to a character's death. Other… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff appropriate for kids?
This documentary celebrates the life and work of acclaimed cinematographer Jack Cardiff. The film's content concerns stem entirely from clips of classic movies he filmed, not from the interviews. Parents should be aware of mature thematic material discussed and shown… Read more — free account
Content severity in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff
What happens in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
- 0:19 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:26 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff
Very mild and entirely thematic. The primary instance involves discussion and clips from the film "Black Narcissus," which explores themes of sexual repression and desire among a community of nuns. This is portrayed through subtext and character psychology, not through any explicit acts or dialogue.
Violence and gore in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff
Moderate, consisting entirely of clips from classic films made several decades ago. A sequence from "Black Narcissus" shows an intense struggle between two women on a cliff's edge, ending in a fall. Clips from war films like "War and Peace" feature brief, non-graphic battle scenes with cavalry and cannons. Other action scenes, like from "The Vikings", contain stylized swordplay without blood.
Language in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff
None. The interviews and film clips included are free of any profanity.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff
Minor and brief. A clip from "The African Queen" shows Humphrey Bogart's character drinking gin. Jack Cardiff himself may be seen with a glass of wine in a social context during his interviews.
Mature themes in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff
This is the strongest category, dealing with complex adult subjects as depicted in classic cinema. The film explores psychological distress and hysteria ("Black Narcissus"), artistic obsession leading to an implied suicide ("The Red Shoes"), and the realities of war ("War and Peace"). The documentary itself is a reflection on aging, memory, and legacy, as the elderly Cardiff looks back on his life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff is best for ages 12+. It's rated NR. This documentary celebrates the life and work of acclaimed cinematographer Jack Cardiff. The film's content concerns stem entirely from clips of classic movies he filmed, not from the interviews. Parents should be aware…
What age rating does Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff have?
Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 12+.
What is Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff about?
This documentary celebrates the life and work of acclaimed cinematographer Jack Cardiff. The film's content concerns stem entirely from clips of classic movies he filmed, not from the interviews. Parents should be aware of mature thematic material discussed and shown, particularly from "Black Narcissus," which…
Is there sex or nudity in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff?
Very mild and entirely thematic. The primary instance involves discussion and clips from the film "Black Narcissus," which explores themes of sexual repression and desire among a community of nuns. This is portrayed through subtext and character psychology…
How violent is Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff?
Moderate, consisting entirely of clips from classic films made several decades ago. A sequence from "Black Narcissus" shows an intense struggle between two women on a cliff's edge, ending in a fall. Clips from war films like "War and Peace" feature brief…
Is the language in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff appropriate for kids?
None. The interviews and film clips included are free of any profanity.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff?
Minor and brief. A clip from "The African Queen" shows Humphrey Bogart's character drinking gin. Jack Cardiff himself may be seen with a glass of wine in a social context during his interviews.
What mature themes appear in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff?
This is the strongest category, dealing with complex adult subjects as depicted in classic cinema. The film explores psychological distress and hysteria ("Black Narcissus"), artistic obsession leading to an implied suicide ("The Red Shoes"), and the realities…
How long is Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff?
Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff runs 86 minutes, directed by Craig McCall, released in 2010.
Where can I read the full Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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