John Alcott was born in Isleworth, England, in 1930.
John's father was Arthur Alcott, a film executive. At a young age, Alcott started his career in film by becoming a clapper boy, which was the lowest position in the camera crew chain. As time progressed however, he moved his way up and eventually became the third highest position of the camera following the lighting cameraman and the main camera operator. His position was extremely important, as his job was to adjust, focus and measure the lens and distance between the actor or object being shot and the camera itself.[3]
Alcott's big break was given to him by Stanley Kubrick,[4] who was a master cinematographer, director, and producer. Kubrick promoted Alcott to lighting cameraman in 1968 while working on 2001: A Space Odyssey and from there the two created an inseparable collaboration, in which they worked together on all Kubrick's films until Alcott's death. In 1971, Kubrick then elevated Alcott to director of photography on A Clockwork Orange which was nominated for four Academy Awards in Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing; however, the film did not win in any category.[5]
Alcott studied lighting and how the light fell in the rooms of a set. He would do this so that when he shot his work it would look like natural lighting, not stage lighting. It was this extra work and research that made his films look so visually beautiful.[4]
Three films Alcott worked on were ranked between 1950 and 1997 in the top 20 of “Best Shot”, voted by the American Society of Cinematographers.
Not only was Alcott a highly regarded cinematographer, in the 1980s when he immigrated to the United States he directed and shot commercials for television at the well known Paisley Productions, based in Hollywood.[6]
Death
While in Cannes, France, Alcott suffered a heart attack and died on 28 July 1986. In his memory and honour, the "BSC John Alcott ARRI Award" was created by the British Society of Cinematographers to honour fellow lighting cameramen in film.[3] Alcott was survived by his wife Sue and son Gavin, who followed in his father's footsteps.
