Last week it was revealed that Jacques Haitkin, cinematographer on the original A Nightmare on Elm Street and its 1985 sequel, passed away on March 21 2023.
Haitkin began his career in 1972, working with producer Roger Corman on a series of productions including 1981’s alien flick Galaxy of Terror. It was Wes Craven’s breakout 1984 slasher that gave Haitkin his first mainstream job as cinematographer and he returned for the sequel less than a year later.
Haitkin would re-team with Craven twice over the course of the next fifteen years, serving as director of photography on 1989’s Shocker and 1997’s Craven-produced Wishmaster.
Outside his work with Craven, Haitkin served as cinematographer on a slew of horror projects well known to fans. These include 1990’s Buried Alive with Jennifer Jason Leigh, 1987’s The Hidden and 1992’s ill-fated Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence.
As well as serving as cinematographer on an impressive 87 projects, Haitkin was also a prolific second unit worker. Serving as everything from the second unit cinematographer, camera operator or a member of the electrical department, Haitkin worked on some of the biggest films in recent years. Included in his impressive roster is work on three Fast and Furious films, Kong: Skull Island, Venom and Black Panther to name but a few.
Haitkin passed away from complications relating to Leukaemia and ALS, and is survived by his sons Zak and Harry.
Rest in peace, Jacques.
