Robert J. Flaherty
Robert Joseph Flaherty ( born February 16, 1884 in Iron Mountain, Michigan; † 23 July 1951, Dummerston, Vermont ) was a documentary filmmaker, who shot, among others, the first long American documentary Nanook of the North (1922 ). With its semi-documentary film Elephant Boy (1937 ) he founded the film career of the young Indian lead actor Sabu.
Life
Flaherty pulled the handy Newman - Sinclair camera film from the heavy models of his time, as he had to be independent for his unique Inuit documentary film " Nanook of the North ". At the low temperatures he could rely on the experience of the British Mount Everest Expedition. His model had a strong frame made of steel, which also allowed long focal lengths due to their severity.
Flaherty's innovations have led the way for the development of the documentary. As one of the first directors he joined documentary material with a movie- like narrative and poeticizing moments.
From 1914 until his death Flaherty was married to Frances Hubbard Flaherty, who supported her husband in his work.