The news of Roger Pratt’s death has left the film world mourning the loss of a legendary cinematographer. Renowned for his exceptional work in Batman (1989) and two Harry Potter films, Pratt passed away at the age of 77. His storied career began after graduating from London Film School, where he decided that directing wasn’t his calling. Instead, he pursued cinematography, earning acclaim, multiple BAFTA nominations, and even an Oscar nod for The End of the Affair (1999).
Let’s explore Pratt’s illustrious journey and his contributions to cinema.
Roger Pratt passes away at 77, claims report
The British Society of Cinematographers officially announced Roger Pratt’s death, though they didn’t provide specific details regarding the date or circumstances, he died in 2024. Pratt had been a member of BSC since 1986.
According to a Deadline report, he retired early due to young-onset Familial Alzheimer’s Disease, which had affected him for years.
Pratt started his career as a camera assistant on Bleak Moments (1971), directed by Mike Leigh. He debuted as Director of Photography in Roger Christian’s The Sender (1982). Following his remarkable debut, Pratt worked in multiple well-known films of the ’80s and ’90s, including The Fisher King (1991), 12 Monkeys (1995), Shadowlands (1993), In Love and War (1996), and Grey Owl (1999).
Pratt’s breakthrough moment arrived when he chose to be the cinematographer of Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989. Shortly after, he was the DP for Neil Jordan’s The End of the Affair, which earned him an Oscar and a BAFTA nod. Pratt snagged another BAFTA nod for Lasse Hallström’s Chocolat (2000) a year later. Apart from an Oscar nod, Pratt received multiple BSC nominations.
While Pratt is considered a beacon of light among indie photographers, he often referred to his work as non-artistic. In a New Yorker interview, Pratt gushed, “Because my job is concerned with big lumps of lights, metal cameras, and laboratories, it makes me very pragmatic – it’s the opposite of artistic. I look at myself as a technician. Photography relies on science. Photographs are just chemicals in labs – light on paper – images in silver halide – but they turn into live things.”
Roger Pratt will be remembered for his technical excellence and artistic spirit, which provided a pathway for future generations.
