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Frederick Elmes

Camera
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
6Total Films
7.1 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 4, 1946
Birth Place: Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, USA

About Frederick Elmes

Frederick Elmes, ASC (born November 4, 1946) is an American cinematographer, known for his association with the independent film movement. He is a long-time collaborator of directors David Lynch, Ang Lee, Charlie Kaufman, Jim Jarmusch, and Todd Solondz. He has won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Cinematography twice, for Wild at Heart (1990) and Night on Earth (1991), and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series for The Night Of (2016). Born in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, Elmes studied photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology and then attended the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, graduating in 1972. He enrolled in the Graduate Film Program at New York University's Department of Film and Television and graduated in 1975. At the American Film Institute, Elmes met aspiring film director David Lynch, who hired him for Eraserhead (1977). Since then the two have collaborated on Blue Velvet (1986) and Wild at Heart (1990). Elmes is also a frequent collaborator with directors Ang Lee and Jim Jarmusch. Elmes has been a member of the American Society of Cinematographers since 1993. Description above from the Wikipedia article Frederick Elmes, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Frederick Elmes Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Frederick Elmes reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 6 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Frederick Elmes's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 33% of Frederick Elmes's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Mysteries of Love, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Frederick Elmes Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Frederick Elmes's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Frederick Elmes has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

Frederick Elmes - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Frederick Elmes?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Frederick Elmes is "Mysteries of Love" with a rating of 7.1/10.

How many movies has Frederick Elmes acted in?

Frederick Elmes has been featured in at least 6 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Frederick Elmes?

Other notable films include "Visions of Light", "Edge of Outside", and "Jonathan Ross Presents for One Week Only: David Lynch".

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