The documentary "Robert Richardson: The White Devil" offers an intimate look at the legendary cinematographer's tempestuous working relationships with A-list directors Oliver Stone, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino. Directed by Czech film student Jana Hojdová, the film premiered at the Karlovy Vary film festival.
Home Movie Footage and Family Revelations
Richardson, a three-time Oscar winner for JFK, The Aviator, and Hugo, earned his nickname for his long white hair and passionate, commanding presence. The documentary features staggering home movie footage, including a shocking 4K clip of Richardson's deceased mother being lifted off her deathbed by medical staff. His daughter is shown telling him off for not being in the moment, highlighting his compulsive videotaping of family life.
Creative Process and Fallouts
The film delves into Richardson's intensely creative process on films like Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, and JFK for Stone; Hugo and The Aviator for Scorsese; and Kill Bill and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood for Tarantino. According to the documentary, Richardson fell out with Stone when he chose to work with Scorsese, and with Tarantino over a shot on Kill Bill, though they later reconciled. A painful estrangement from his brother occurred after the brother's child died and Richardson did not attend the funeral.
Interviews and Access
Hojdová, who initially wrote to Richardson for her thesis, was astonished when he responded personally, sharing diaries, notes, and research materials. She conducted hours of interviews during Covid, with Scorsese, Tarantino, Stone, and Richardson's family members all participating. The documentary is described as a reverent, clear-eyed cinephile treat.
