Poster for Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff

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

6.6
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
12+

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

Cast

Jack Cardiff
Jack Cardiff
Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese
Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas
Lauren Bacall
Lauren Bacall
Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston
Kim Hunter
Kim Hunter
John Mills
John Mills
Alan Parker
Alan Parker
Thelma Schoonmaker
Thelma Schoonmaker
Freddie Francis
Freddie Francis
Raffaella De Laurentiis
Raffaella De Laurentiis
Richard Fleischer
Richard Fleischer
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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

Sex Moderate 3/10
Violence Strong 6/10
Language None 0/10
Substances Moderate 3/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
  2. 0:19 🍷 Substances 2/10
  3. 0:26 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Unlock all 14 flagged moments — free account →

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.

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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?

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