Andrew Lesnie, the man behind the cinematography for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit passed away from a heart attack on April 27 at age 59. Lesnie started his career as an assistant camera operator for Patrick, a low-budget film, in 1978 while studying at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. He was tapped on the shoulder by Peter Jackson to work on The Lord of the Rings because of his artistic use of nature for Babe to “create a magical effect”.
Lesnie’s work with the Middle-Earth franchises earned him an Oscar in 2002 and he was known for his innovative style of balancing technology and art, esteeming him a special place in the arena of directors. The Australian cinematographer from Sydney also worked on Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, King Kong, The Lovely Bones, I Am Legend, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and the recent film The Water Diviner.
Actors and collaborators including Russell Crowe, David Wenham and special effects company WETA have expressed their condolences online. Crowe tweeted: “Devastating news from home. The master of the light, genius Andrew Lesnie has passed on.” The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts have commented on the passing as a “great loss” to the industry.
Lesnie’s family will make an official statement some time according to an Australian Cinematography Society spokesperson. Peter Jackson expressed: “Andrew was an irreplaceable part of my family and I am in total disbelief that I’ll never again hear his infectious laugh, nor benefit from his quiet wisdom, or enjoy his generous praise. Andrew created unforgettable, beautiful images on screen, and he did this time and again, because he only ever served what he believed in – he was his own artist…”
Rest in peace, Andrew Lesnie, and thank you for your glorious works.
