Sven Nykvist was widely regarded as one of the world's greatest cinematographers, with a career spanning almost half a century. He was known for his ability to capture the simplest and most natural look imaginable, priding himself on the simplicity and naturalness of his lighting schemes.
Nykvist began his career in the Swedish film industry at the age of 19, working his way up to become a director of photography. He first collaborated with legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman on the film Sawdust and Tinsel in 1953, but it was their collaboration on The Virgin Spring in 1960 that marked the beginning of a quarter-century long partnership.
The switch from Gunnar Fischer to Nykvist as Bergman's cameraman created a marked difference in the look of Bergman's films, with Nykvist's more naturalistic and subtle approach relying on the northern light compositions of great Scandinavian painters.
Nykvist's work with Bergman is one of the most glorious collaborations in movie history, with each installment of Bergman's Faith Trilogy showcasing a markedly different look. Through a Glass Darkly, The Silence, and Winter Light all demonstrate Nykvist's mastery of light and composition.
Nykvist's work with Bergman also includes the films Persona, The Passion of Anna, Cries & Whispers, and Fanny and Alexander, for which he won two Academy Awards. He also worked with other renowned directors, including Louis Malle, Philip Kaufman, Bob Fosse, Nora Ephron, Woody Allen, Richard Attenborough, and Lasse Hallström.
Nykvist's legacy was celebrated in the documentary Ljuset håller mig sällskap in 2000, although it does not reveal any real secrets about his working methods. He passed away in 2006.
