László Kovács
Camera
Biography
László Kovács was a Hungarian cinematographer who was influential in the development of American New Wave films in the 1970s, collaborating with directors like Peter Bogdanovich, Richard Rush, Dennis Hopper, Norman Jewison, and Martin Scorsese.
Born: May 14, 1933
Place of Birth: Cece, Hungary
Known For
Light Keeps Me Company
Carl-Gustaf Nykvist's documentary about his father, Sven Nykvist. The film is based on Sven's memoirs with Sven himself as narrator. A journey to the place of birth, Moheda, constitutes the hub of the film and during the journey friends and memories emerge. Written by Fredrik Klasson
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex 'n' Drugs 'n' Rock 'n' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood
The chronicle of the mind-blowing journey that was Hollywood during the seventies; the true and gripping story of the last golden age of American cinema, an exalted celebration of creativity and experimentation; but also of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll: a turbulent and dark tale of ambition, envy, betrayal, hatred and self-destruction.
Visions of Light
Cameramen and women discuss the craft and art of cinematography and of the "DP" (the director of photography), illustrating their points with clips from 100 films, from Birth of a Nation to Do the Right Thing. Themes: the DP tells people where to look; changes in movies (the arrival of sound, color, and wide screens) required creative responses from DPs; and, these artisans constantly invent new equipment and try new things, with wonderful results. The narration takes us through the identifiable studio styles of the 30s, the emergence of noir, the New York look, and the impact of Europeans. Citizen Kane, The Conformist, and Gordon Willis get special attention.
Easy Rider: Shaking the Cage
Documentary about the making and history of the film "Easy Rider."
Afterthoughts
A 2002 video piece featuring director Bob Rafelson, cinematographer László Kovács, and actor Bruce Dern discussing style and process of the film The King of Marvin Gardens (1972).
No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos
The artistry, triumph and lifelong friendship of the great cinematographers Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond. With film school equipment, they shoot the Soviet crackdown of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. As refugees they struggle in Hollywood, finally breaking into the mainstream with their pivotal contribution to the "American New Wave."
The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!!?
Jerry, his girlfriend Angela, and their friend Harold take a trip to a local seaside carnival, but when the carnival's fortune teller, Madame Estrella, predicts death for someone close to Angela, strange things begin to happen.
The Nasty Rabbit
Russian spies secretly infect rabbits with a deadly bacteria, then let them loose in the U.S.
The 'New York, New York' Stories
A documentary on the making of Martin Scorsese's 1977 Jazz drama New York, New York
A Hollywood Life: Remembering Frances
The making of FRANCES, a retrospective documentary.
Filmography
as Self
as Himself
as Self
as Self
as Himself
as Self
as The Idiot
as Man at Carnival (uncredited)