Michael Ballhaus
German cinematographer (1935–2017)
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Key Takeaways
- Michael Ballhaus , A.
- He was a member of both the Academy of Arts, Berlin and the American Society of Cinematographers.
- His uncle was actor and director Carl Ballhaus.
- Career Ballhaus came to prominence with his work with Rainer Werner Fassbinder beginning with Whity (1971), in addition to The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972), Chinese Roulette (1976) and The Marriage of Maria Braun (1978).
- After settling in the United States, he worked on many American films, such as Goodfellas (1990), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), Wild Wild West (1999) and Gangs of New York (2002).
Michael Ballhaus, A.S.C. (5 August 1935 – 12 April 2017) was a German cinematographer, known for his work with directors like Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Martin Scorsese, and Mike Nichols.
He was a member of both the Academy of Arts, Berlin and the American Society of Cinematographers.
Early life
Ballhaus was born on 5 August 1935 in Berlin to actors Lena Hutter and Oskar Ballhaus. His uncle was actor and director Carl Ballhaus.
He was influenced by family friend Max Ophüls, and appeared as an extra in Ophüls' last film Lola Montès (1955).
Career
Ballhaus came to prominence with his work with Rainer Werner Fassbinder beginning with Whity (1971), in addition to The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972), Chinese Roulette (1976) and The Marriage of Maria Braun (1978). In 1990, he was the head of the jury at the 40th Berlin International Film Festival.
After settling in the United States, he worked on many American films, such as Goodfellas (1990), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), Wild Wild West (1999) and Gangs of New York (2002).
Ballhaus also made an appearance in Rosa von Praunheim's film Fassbinder's Women (2000).
He was nominated three times for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, but never won. He did win awards at the Chicago Film Critics Association, the Boston Society of Film Critics, and twice at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.
His documentary In Berlin, made with Ciro Cappellari, was released in May 2009.
Ballhaus's final film was Sherry Hormann's 3096 Days in 2013.
Personal life and death
Ballhaus was married to actress and art director Helga Maria Betten from 1958 until her death in 2006.
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