Dick Pope, cinematographer and Mike Leigh collaborator, dies aged 77

British Oscar nominee Dick Pope, an acclaimed cinematographer known for his collaborations with director Mike Leigh, has sadly passed away at the age of 77. The British Society of Cinematographers confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of their friend and colleague. “Dick had a reputation for being a wonderful collaborator and someone who was passionate about the art form of cinematography,” the statement read. “He embraced new technologies and ideas while ensuring that the skills and crafts of those who came before him were not forgotten.”

Pope worked alongside Leigh on 11 films, beginning with the 1990 film *Life is Sweet*. Their notable collaborations include *Naked*, *Secrets & Lies*, *Another Year*, *Peterloo*, and *Vera Drake*. His work on the period drama *Mr Turner* earned him an Oscar nomination. Reflecting on the creative process in a 2019 interview, Pope described it as a “bit of a magical mystery tour,” highlighting the unpredictability of their work together.

When asked about his long-standing partnership with Pope, Leigh remarked, “The thing about working with the same cinematographer over a long stretch… A violinist who owns a Stradivarius is not going to arbitrarily use another fiddle. That is the tool, and you can play anything with it. So that’s how I feel.”

In addition to his Oscar nomination for *Mr Turner*, Pope received another nomination for the 2006 mystery film *The Illusionist*. His extensive filmography also features *The Way of the Gun* (2000), *Me and Orson Welles* (2008), and *Motherless Brooklyn* (2019). He collaborated with a range of directors, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Gurinder Chadha, and Barry Levinson.

Pope’s final credit is on Leigh’s latest film, *Hard Truths*, which premiered to acclaim at this year’s Toronto Film Festival. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw described it as a “deeply sober, somber, compassionate drama.” With Oscar buzz surrounding the film, which stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste, it is set for release later this year. Leigh revealed in an interview that Pope had undergone “major heart surgery” prior to production.

He is survived by his wife, Pat.