Cinematographers never get enough credit.  Their so crucial to a film's success, but if you mention their names to casual filmgoers, they'll probably give you a blank stare.  Variety reports that Gordon Willis, the cinematographer behind some of cinema's best films, passed away at the age of 82.  Willis was a giant of 1970s cinema, and helped to create some of Hollywood's all-time classics including The Godfather, Annie Hall, Klute, Manhattan, and All the President's Men.  To quote The Playlist's obituary, "Willis' greatest gift was in collaborating with the filmmakers he worked with on evoking that intangible mood for each of their pictures."  Willis' last film was 1997 was Alan J. Pakula's The Devil's Own after which he retired due to his failing eyesight.

Hit the jump to check out some clips from Willis' films and an interview with the master cinematographer.  Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Willis' family and friends.

Hat tip to Russ Fischer for leading me to this clip from the documentary Visions of Light, which is about the art of cinematography.