Nicolas Roeg Has Passed Away

A wholly unique creative mind behind the camera, filmmaker Nicolas Roeg has passed away at the age of 90.

Multiple outlets, including BBC, report the news of Roeg's passing, with his son, Nicolas Jr., confirming that his dad passed away on Friday, November 23rd.

Roeg worked as a cinematographer on a multitude of films in the 1960s (including the 1966 adaptation of Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451) before co-directing his first feature, Performance, in 1970. After that, there was no looking back for Roeg, who went on to helm more than 15 movies over the next four decades.

An endlessly imaginative filmmaker with a bold vision, Roeg's movies didn't just entertain viewers, they left indelible, profound marks on their psyches. Decades after their releases, movies such as Walkabout, The Man Who Fell to Earth (starring David Bowie), and Bad Timing continue to be exemplary cinematic efforts admired by filmmakers and viewers alike.

Roeg will always hold a special place in the hearts of horror lovers in particular for directing 1973's Don't Look Now and the 1990 adaptation of Roald Dahl's The Witches—two movies that have stood the test of time for their powerful performances and uncompromising creative visions. Donald Sutherland, the lead actor of Don't Look Now, shared his remembrance of Roeg (via BBC):

"He is a fearless visionary, always was, always will be. He was a liberating joy to work for. I fell in love with him then and will love him forever."

Our thoughts are with Roeg's family and friends during this difficult time. While there may never be another director quite like Roeg, his approach to the art of filmmaking will live on to inspire and influence future (and current) generations of filmmakers.

Below are remembrances of Roeg from two of those filmmakers who have been inspired by his work: Edgar Wright and Duncan Jones.

Farewell to the extraordinary cinematic talent, director Nicolas Roeg. His films hypnotized me for years and still continue to intrigue. Along with classics like Performance & Walkabout, I could watch Don't Look Now on a loop & never tire of its intricacies. A master of the art. pic.twitter.com/fXB7GPwOL9

— edgarwright (@edgarwright) November 24, 2018

I only met Nicolas Roeg one time in the street when I was editing in Soho. I think he was surprised I recognised him. A few years later I asked him to do a Q&A for 'Don't Look Now' with me at the Prince Charles. He couldn't attend but wrote me this email to read out to the crowd. pic.twitter.com/FaLTbejqBt

— edgarwright (@edgarwright) November 24, 2018

Just heard another great storyteller, the inimitable Nicolas Roeg left us today. What an incredible body of work he’s left us with!
All my love to his family.
Thank you for making so many brave choices, & giving this strange little lad in pajamas an ongoing love of filmmaking. pic.twitter.com/QVg2znq3Rs

— Duncan Jones (@ManMadeMoon) November 24, 2018