

Richard Leacock
Director · Actor · WriterRichard Leacock (July 18, 1921 – March 15, 2011) was a pioneering American-born filmmaker, widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the cinéma vérité movement. He was a key influence on the development of observational documentary filmmaking, known for his innovative use of handheld cameras and his emphasis on capturing spontaneous, real-time events. Leacock's most notable works include Primary (1960), which followed John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey during the 1960 Democratic primary campaign, and Chronicle of a Summer (1961), co-directed with Jean Rouch, a landmark film in the cinéma vérité genre. Throughout his career, Leacock collaborated with other influential filmmakers, including Robert Drew and D.A. Pennebaker, and helped shape the way documentaries were made. His legacy continues to influence contemporary documentary filmmakers.
More details at TMDB
KNOWN FOR
FILMOGRAPHY
ACTOR17

Monica in the South Seas
2023
Self
- Robert Drew & Associates at the Museum of Tolerance
Robert Drew & Associates at the Museum of Tolerance
2016
Self

How To Smell A Rose: A Visit with Ricky Leacock at his Farm in Normandy
2014
Self
- Ricky on Leacock
Ricky on Leacock
2012
Self

Mario Ruspoli, Prince of the Whales
2011
Self

A Boatload of Wild Irishmen
2010
Self

Morris Engel: The Independent
2008
Self
- The Last Documentary
The Last Documentary
2000
Self
- Cinéma! Cinéma! The French New Wave
Cinéma! Cinéma! The French New Wave
1992
Self

Message to Man
1989
Self

Working Girls
1987
Joseph

Sherman's March
1985
Self - Historical Narration (voice)
- Ein Film für Bossak und Leacock
Ein Film für Bossak und Leacock
1984

Lulu in Berlin
1984
Self - Interviewer

Solstice and Solyanka
1975

Reality's Invisible
1972
Self

1 P.M.
1971
Self
DIRECTOR32

Flora Natapoff - An American Painter
1999
Director

Les oeufs à la coque de Richard Leacock
1991
Director

Louise Brooks
1986
Director

Lulu in Berlin
1984
Director

Community of Praise
1983
Director

Rebuilding an Old Japanese House
1981
Director

Light Coming Through: A Portrait of Maud Morgan
1980
Director

Centerbeam
1977
Director

1 P.M.
1971
Director

Queen of Apollo
1970
Director

Two American Audiences: La Chinoise - A Film in the Making
1968
Director

Chiefs
1968
Director

RainForest
1968
Director

A Stravinsky Portrait
1967
Director

Ku Klux Klan—The Invisible Empire
1965
Director
- Lambert & Co.
Lambert & Co.
1964
Director

Campaign Manager
1964
Director

A Happy Mother's Day
1963
Director

The Chair
1963
Director

Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment
1963
Director

Nehru
1962
Director

Mooney vs. Fowle
1962
Director
- Kenya: Land of the White Ghost
Kenya: Land of the White Ghost
1962
Director
- The Children Were Watching
The Children Were Watching
1961
Director

Adventures on the New Frontier
1961
Director

On the Pole: Eddie Sachs
1961
Director
- Frames of Reference
Frames of Reference
1960
Director

Christopher and Me
1960
Director

A Magnet Laboratory
1959
Director

Brussels Loops
1958
Director
- Toby and the Tall Corn
Toby and the Tall Corn
1954
Director

Canary Island Bananas
1935
Director
PRODUCER5
EDITOR5
CINEMATOGRAPHER24

Monica in the South Seas
2023
Camera Operator
- BodySongs
BodySongs
2011
Camera Operator

Chuck Berry: Rock and Roll Music
1992
Camera Operator

Shake! Otis at Monterey
1987
Camera Operator

Jimi Plays Monterey
1987
Camera Operator

Little Richard: Keep on Rockin'
1973
Director of Photography

1 P.M.
1971
Director of Photography

Original Cast Album: Company
1970
Director of Photography

Queen of Apollo
1970
Camera Operator

French Lunch
1968
Director of Photography

Monterey Pop
1968
Camera Operator

A Stravinsky Portrait
1967
Director of Photography

Campaign Manager
1964
Director of Photography

Jane
1962
Director of Photography

Primary
1960
Camera Operator, Director of Photography

Integration Report 1
1960
Camera Operator

ABC Close-Up: Yanki, No!
1960
Director of Photography

Christopher and Me
1960
Director of Photography
- American Football
American Football
1957
Director of Photography

A Conversation with Marcel Duchamp
1956
Director of Photography
- Toby and the Tall Corn
Toby and the Tall Corn
1954
Camera Operator

Jazz Dance
1954
Director of Photography

Louisiana Story
1948
Director of Photography

To Hear Your Banjo Play
1947
Director of Photography








