Affectionately known to fellow directors and worldwide audiences as The Master of Light, cinematographer Sven Nykvist (1922–2006) produced a body of work that demonstrates how exquisite lighting and careful camera movement can be a perfectly integrated part of a film’s look—and even its defining characteristic. As Nykvist put it, “The truth always lies in the character’s eyes. It is very important to light the scene so the audience can see what is behind each character’s eyes.” Nykvist worked on more than 130 features and won two Oscars, both for films he did with Ingmar Bergman (Cries and Whispers [1972], Fanny and Alexander [1982]). One of the two films he directed himself, The Ox, garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in 1991. Nykvist’s collaboration was eagerly sought by many of the internationally heralded directors of the past fifty years. The Department of Film presents three of his major achievements. All films photographed by Nykvist, and from the Museum’s collection.
Organized by Jytte Jensen, Curator, Department of Film.