Jan de Bont

Born:October 22, 1943

Place of Birth:Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands

Known For:Camera

Biography

Jan de Bont, born on October 22, 1943, in the Netherlands, is a highly esteemed figure in the world of cinema. His contributions to the film industry as a cinematographer, director, and producer have left an indelible mark on Hollywood. De Bont rose to prominence for his exceptional work behind the camera, capturing iconic moments in films that have become classics in their own right.

Among his most notable directorial works are the action-packed thrillers "Speed" (1994) and "Twister" (1996), which showcased his prowess in creating heart-pounding sequences that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. De Bont's keen eye for detail and his ability to craft visually stunning scenes have solidified his reputation as a master storyteller through the lens.

Prior to his directorial success, de Bont made significant contributions as a director of photography on a diverse range of films, from the intense horror of "Cujo" to the high-octane action of "Die Hard." His work behind the camera helped elevate these films to cinematic greatness, earning him a reputation as a cinematographer with a distinct vision and technical skill.

Throughout his career, de Bont collaborated with some of the industry's most talented filmmakers and actors, bringing his unique perspective to each project he undertook. His work on films like "The Hunt for Red October" and "Basic Instinct" further showcased his versatility and ability to adapt to different genres while maintaining a high level of quality and artistry.

De Bont's impact on the film industry extends beyond his individual projects, as his innovative approach to filmmaking has influenced a new generation of directors and cinematographers. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the enduring impact of a dedicated artist committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity.

After achieving great success in Hollywood, de Bont eventually decided to step back from the spotlight and retire, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. His contributions to cinema have earned him a well-deserved place among the industry's most respected and admired professionals, with a legacy that will endure for years to come.

Jan de Bont's career is a testament to the transformative power of film and the ability of a visionary artist to shape the way we experience storytelling on the big screen. His commitment to excellence and his passion for the craft have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, ensuring that his work will be celebrated and studied for generations to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Lethal Weapon 3

Dutch Cameraman (uncredited)

1992

Riggs and Murtaugh pursue a former officer who uses his knowledge of police procedure and policies to steal and sell confiscated guns and ammunition to local street gangs.

Production

Die Hard

Director of Photography

1988

NYPD cop John McClane's plan to reconcile with his estranged wife is thrown for a serious loop when, minutes after he arrives at her offices Christmas Party, the entire building is overtaken by a group of terrorists. With little help from the LAPD, wisecracking McClane sets out to single-handedly rescue the hostages and bring the bad guys down.

Basic Instinct

Director of Photography

1992

Catherine, a novelist with an insatiable sexual appetite, becomes a prime suspect when her boyfriend is brutally murdered -- a crime she had described in her latest story.

Minority Report

Producer

2002

John Anderton is a top 'Precrime' cop in the late-21st century, when technology can predict crimes before they're committed. But Anderton becomes the quarry when another investigator targets him for a murder charge.

Twister

Director

1996

An unprecedented series of violent tornadoes is sweeping across Oklahoma. Tornado chasers, headed by Dr. Jo Harding, attempt to release a groundbreaking device that will allow them to track them and create a more advanced warning system. They are joined by Jo's soon to be ex-husband Bill, a former tornado chaser himself, and his girlfriend Melissa.

Speed

Director

1994

Jack Traven, an LAPD cop on SWAT detail, and veteran SWAT officer Harry Temple thwart an extortionist-bomber's scheme for a $3 million ransom. As they corner the bomber, he flees and detonates a bomb vest, seemingly killing himself. Weeks later, Jack witnesses a mass transit city bus explode and nearby a pay phone rings. On the phone is that same bomber looking for vengeance and the money he's owed. He gives a personal challenge to Jack: a bomb is rigged on another city bus - if it slows down below 50 mph, it will explode - bad enough any day, but a nightmare in LA traffic. And that's just the beginning...

Equilibrium

Producer

2002

In a dystopian future, a totalitarian regime maintains peace by subduing the populace with a drug, and displays of emotion are punishable by death. A man in charge of enforcing the law rises to overthrow the system.

The Hunt for Red October

Director of Photography

1990

A new technologically-superior Soviet nuclear sub, the Red October, is heading for the U.S. coast under the command of Captain Marko Ramius. The American government thinks Ramius is planning to attack. Lone CIA analyst Jack Ryan has a different idea: he thinks Ramius is planning to defect, but he has only a few hours to find him and prove it - because the entire Russian naval and air commands are trying to find Ramius, too. The hunt is on!

Lethal Weapon 3

Director of Photography

1992

Riggs and Murtaugh pursue a former officer who uses his knowledge of police procedure and policies to steal and sell confiscated guns and ammunition to local street gangs.

Cujo

Director of Photography

1983

A friendly St. Bernard named "Cujo" contracts rabies and conducts a reign of terror on a small American town.

Black Rain

Director of Photography

1989

Two New York cops get involved in a gang war between members of the Yakuza, the Japanese Mafia. They arrest one of their killers and are ordered to escort him back to Japan. However, in Japan he manages to escape, and as they try to track him down, they get deeper and deeper into the Japanese Mafia scene and they have to learn that they can only win by playing the game—the Japanese way.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life

Director

2003

Off the coast of the volcanic island of Santorini, the intrepid archaeologist Lara Croft makes the unexpected discovery of a pulsating golden orb able to guide its holder to the mythical Pandora's Box. As the legendary artifact contains ancient mysteries of unfathomable power - said to contain one of the deadliest plagues on Earth, Lara is tasked by MI6 to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. With the aid of former Marine turned mercenary Terry Sheridan, she travels the world in pursuit of the precious item in a race against time; she must beat the unscrupulous Nobel Prize-winning scientist turned bioterrorist, Jonathan Reiss, to it.

Private Lessons

Director of Photography

1981

Phillip Filmore is a naive, 15-year-old, preoccupied with sex, who develops a crush on Nicole Mallow, the new 30-something, French housekeeper and sitter to look after him when Phillip's father is out of town for the summer on a "business" trip. But Mr. Filmore's unscrupulous chauffeur, Lester Lewis, takes advantage of Phillip's crush on Nicole to hire her to seduce the youth, then draws her into a plot to fake her own death in a blackmail scheme aimed to drain Phillip's trust fund.

Flatliners

Director of Photography

1990

Five medical students want to find out if there is life after death. They plan to stop one of their hearts for a few seconds, thus simulating death, and then bring the person back to life.

Speed 2: Cruise Control

Producer

1997

A disgruntled former employee hijacks the Seabourn Legend cruise liner. Set on a fixed course, without any means of communication and at the mercy of the hijacker, it's up to the one cop on vacation, and his soon to be fiancé (hopefully) Annie, to regain control of it before it kills the passengers and causes an environmental disaster. Insurmountable and daunting tasks awaits them on their perilous journey throughout the ship trying to fend off the hijacker and save the passengers.

The Jewel of the Nile

Director of Photography

1985

Joan Wilder is thrust back into a world of murder, chases, foreign intrigue... and love. This time out she's duped by a duplicitous Arab dignitary who brings her to the Middle East, ostensibly to write a book about his life. Of course, he's up to no good, and Joan is just another pawn in his wicked game. But Jack Colton and his sidekick Ralph show up to help our intrepid heroine save the day.

Flesh + Blood

Director of Photography

1985

A band of medieval mercenaries take revenge on a noble lord who decides not to pay them by kidnapping the betrothed of the noble's son. As the plague and warfare cut a swathe of destruction throughout the land, the mercenaries hole up in a castle and await their fate.

The Paperboy

Executive Producer

2012

As investigative reporter Ward Jansen and his partner Yardley Acheman chase a sensational, career-making story with the help of Ward's younger brother Jack and sultry death-row groupie Charlotte Bless, the pair tries to prove violent swamp-dweller Hillary Van Wetter was framed for the murder of a corrupt local sheriff.

SLC Punk

Executive Producer

1998

Two former geeks become 1980s punks, then party and go to concerts while deciding what to do with their lives.

Roar

Camera Operator

1981

Roar follows a family who are attacked by various African animals at the secluded home of their keeper.

Ruthless People

Director of Photography

1986

Sam Stone hates his wife Barbara so much that he wants her dead. He's ecstatic when she's taken by a duo of kidnappers who want $500,000 ransom in exchange for her life. Fully intending to ignore every one of the kidnappers' demands in the hopes that they do him a favor and murder her for him, the two confused kidnappers have to figure out how they're going get their money, and what they're going to do with the overbearing Barbara.

Turkish Delight

Director of Photography

1973

Eric, a gifted sculptor, has a stormy, erotic, and star-crossed romance with a beautiful young woman named Olga.