The Coolidge Corner Theatre

Celebrating the art of Cinematography in 2005, the Coolidge Award honored Vittorio Storaro, whose career has impacted the way we see films, and has enriched our experience immeasurably.

The month preceding the Award ceremony featured weekly seminars, led by Peter Flynn, Piero Garofalo, Jeff Kline, and Chris Fujiwara. Coming together to learn about the history of cinematography, a survey of Italian cinema, and Storaro's powerful creative partnerships with important film directors was a wonderful opportunity to engage with cultural issues, make connections and be entertained at the same time.

Our series of retrospective screenings offered the chance to see a new 35 mm print of LAST TANGO IN PARIS, the-hard-to-find seminal film THE CONFORMIST, a stunning dye-transfer print of APOCALYPSE NOW, and the epic 1900.

Vittorio Storaro, arrived from Rome to attend the festivities in his honor. On April 6th, a gala award ceremony included live performances of Opera, Flamenco and Tango. Eloquent tributes were paid to Mr. Storaro by film critic and scholar Elvis Mitchell, B.U. professor and author Jeff Kline, journalist Bob Fisher and the President of the American Society of Cinematographers, Richard Crudo. A surprise testimonial, via video screen, came from actor/director Warren Beatty, with whom Storaro has a close friendship and working partnership. On receiving the Award, Storaro made a heartfelt speech (without notes!) in which he emphasized why this recognition, not just of his work, but of the art of cinematography, was so meaningful to him.

The next day he took part in a lively panel discussion with fellow cinematographers Stefan Czapsky, Richard Crudo, and documentary deity Albert Maysles. The events culminated in a special screening of REDS, with a print supervised by Storaro himself, who introduced the film and answered audience questions afterward.