Cinematographer Robert Richardson’s work has earned him three Academy Awards, but a 2016 email from Czech film student Jana Hojdová stood out because it asked about his life rather than his technique. Their correspondence eventually became a friendship and Hojdová’s feature directorial debut, “Robert Richardson: The White Devil.”

Hojdová first contacted Richardson while working on her master’s thesis at Prague’s FAMU film school. She later traveled to New Zealand to meet him during the production of “Adrift,” and began filming his work and everyday routines. Richardson initially doubted that his life would make an interesting documentary, but agreed after months of discussion on the condition that Hojdová also appear in the film.

The project took a decisive turn in 2020, when a visit to Richardson’s home in Cape Cod to review photographs and records grew longer during pandemic lockdowns. Hojdová discovered a large collection of archival material, and the two ended up living together for months. Richardson said the experience changed the film: without COVID, it would not have been the same project.

Hojdová ultimately had 650 hours of footage to shape into a feature. During editing, she concluded that including herself would help viewers enter Richardson’s world. The film also required permission to use dozens of well-known images, with around 390 entries to clear.

“The White Devil” examines Richardson’s creative life, including his relationships with film crews, collaborations with directors, personal struggles and experiences with psychedelic drugs. Richardson has worked regularly with Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone and Quentin Tarantino, and won Oscars for “JFK,” “The Aviator” and “Hugo.”

The documentary premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on July 5, where Richardson said he was too overwhelmed by the event to take in the film. Its North American premiere is scheduled for DOC NYC on November 14, with another screening on November 16 at IFC Center. In the U.S., it is also available to stream through November 29 with the purchase of an online screening ticket.

Sources: IndieWire.