Frederick Elmes
CameraAbout 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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Frederick Elmes reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 6 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of Frederick Elmes's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 33% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Frederick Elmes remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Mysteries of Love, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Frederick Elmes Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Frederick Elmes's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Frederick Elmes.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | I Know Catherine, the Log Lady | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2006 | Edge of Outside | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Love, Death, Elvis & Oz: The Making of Wild at Heart | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Mysteries of Love | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Visions of Light | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Jonathan Ross Presents for One Week Only: David Lynch | Self | Flop | Similar → |
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".