Harris Savides, a prolific cinematographer who was a frequent collaborator of Gus Van Sant and lensed movies for the likes of David Fincher, Noah Baumbach, Woody Allen and Sofia Coppola, died today. He was 55. Savides, a native New Yorker, started his camera career shooting fashion in Milan and Paris, work that eventually got him noticed by commercial and music video directors. (He did music videos for Madonna and R.E.M. among others.) One of his first feature films was Fincher’s The Game (1997); the two would collaborate again on 2007′s Zodiac. That same year, he lensed Noah Baumbach’s Margot At The Wedding. Savides was nominated for five Indie Spirit Awards — for Van Sant’s Gerry (2003), Elephant (2004), Last Days (2005) and the Oscar-nominated Milk (2009) as well as Baumbach’s Greenberg (2011). He did six features with Van Sant, the most recent Restless last year starring Mia Wasikowska and Henry Hopper. In addition to DP credits on James Gray’s The Yards and Ridley Scott’s American Gangster, Savides worked with Coppola on 2010′s Somewhere, which won the Golden Lion at Venice, and the two paired again on Savides’ latest job, The Bling Ring, which will be released next year.


Great loss. He was an Artist. What took him away from us?
No way. What happened? I like his work so I’m sad to hear about this. R.I.P Harris
Very sad to hear this. What a wonderful body of work he has left us.
God blesses you Harris. You were a Prince. You loved your family above all else and a place of great beauty is waiting for you. Guide us from there Harris, as you always did while you were here.
A most prolific, audacious, and innovative cinematographer that I’ve ever met in our time. Harris Savides is a man that I’ve known for many years, and I’m proud to have been his friend and colleague. I’ll miss you Harris.
Terribly, terribly sad. Harris was a great man and a exceptional talent who inspired me time and time again with his sublime photography. Rest in peace good man. You and the vision you brought to all those films will always be on our minds and in our hearts.
Such sad news. A true gentleman in this business. What a privilege it was working with him. Sadly a great loss to the film world.
I was a PA on a short film Harris shot back in 1994 called THE INVESTIGATOR. Looking back, what he was able to accomplish with limited budget and time was remarkable. Watching him work was a revelation. He will be missed.
I wrote/directed that short. And remained friends with Harris. To hear his soft off-kilter voice always had a calming effect, much like his entire personality, which brought a sense of peace to the chaos of a set, if not to life in general. And despite being a large man, he held and moved a camera like a ballet dancer.
Oh Harris, you shall be greatly missed.
My heart goes out to Medin and Sophie.
Harris was a role model for so many cinematographers. A good guy, loving family man, and a brilliant artist. We lost him too soon.
A true artist and a gentle soul. Very sad.
such an amazing artist and person…will miss so much. RIP gentle soul…
I had the privilege of working with Harris on The Yards. This is a truly sad day and a huge loss to our community.
I had the pleasure of working with Harris last year. He was an amazing man and taught me a lot about photography and filmmaking. I will always be grateful for having the chance to create with him. RIP.
Saddened to hear about Harris. Never met him but his light & vision touched me & will remain in my soul. An artist who’s influence will endure.
worked for him on music videos for Madonna and Sonic Youth …
he was amazing….
-RnsW
Harris Savides’ passing is a major sadness for all who knew and worked with him. Our agency’s beginnings and early history were impacted by his artistry, bigheartedness and work ethic.
And while our world is a much emptier place today, Harris’ unique legacy lives on in those cinematographers whose work he nurtured and polished with such grace and good humor.
So many of us experienced Harris’ generosity. He was an icon of his times.
Farewell dear friend. We send our heartfelt condolences to your family, friends and colleagues.
– Fay Dattner and Bill Dispoto
You are a wonder and a huge inspiration. Thank you for so many fine films
I’m sad and shocked to hear the news, Savides was one hell of a cinematographer, one of my all-time favourites. His work will live on. RIP
A true legend in his own time and a true gentleman. So sad. But his work will be studied, revered and live on forever. Safe journey, Harris.
Harris-
Police and Thieves is where it started for our adventure, may you find that perfect light.
Your Friend R