June 26, 2019

BRUNO DE KEYZER BSC

We were very unhappy to hear from his wife Sylvaine that Bruno had sadly died on 25^th June 2019.

A charming and vibrant personality, he loved being a Frenchy member of the BSC. Elected to the BSC in 1997 whilst living in London, he later moved back to France but continued to support the Society by attending many of our Summer Lunches and other events to catch up with his fellow BSC members.

Bruno kindly also staged a Question and Answer Screening of In the Electric Mist (2009) at Pinewood Studios in March 2009 with the renowned director Bertrand Tavernier.

Never before shown in the UK, this beautifully photographed, highly atmospheric and original thriller, set in the swamplands of Louisiana, totally gripped the audience.

After the screening the charismatic duo illuminated the audience with insights into the filming of the production. We were most grateful to them both for travelling over from Paris to allow us this very special opportunity.

Born on 11th August 1949, Bruno de Keyzer began his film career as a camera assistant with Sven Nykvist for Black Moon (1974), directed by Louis Malle. He became director of photography in 1982 and worked with renowned filmmakers, including Bertrand Tavernier and Jerry Schatzberg. He also appeared in front of the camera on Très bien, merci (2007)

He photographed 51 films during his career including The Tenant (1976), A Sunday in the Country (1984), The Princess of Montpensier (2010) and Round Midnight (1986).

In 1985 he garnered a César Award for Best Cinematography for his photography on Un dimanche à la campagne (1984) and acquired two other César nominations for La Princesse de Montpensier (2010) and La Vie et Rien d'autre (1989) along with a 2nd place in 1986 at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards for Round Midnight (1986).

In February 2012 Bruno was bestowed the Honour of ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ from the French Government for his contribution to culture and its influence both in France and abroad. The medal was presented by Producer and philanthropist Joelle Bellon at a ceremony at the City Hall Villerville on Saturday 11^th February 2012.

He will be much missed by us all.

Bruno at the BSC Summer Lunch at Pinewood in 2012. L to R: Tony Pierce Roberts BSC, Bruno de Keyzer BSC, Sham Whittaker, Sylvaine de Keyzer and Hugh Whittaker of Panavision.