John Mathieson, a highly acclaimed and accomplished English cinematographer and commercial director, came into the world on May 3, 1961, on the picturesque Isle of Purbeck, nestled in the county of Dorset, within the borders of England. As one of the most notable and influential filmmakers to have emerged from the vibrant and creative music video industry of the late 1980s and 1990s, Mathieson's impressive body of work has left a lasting impact on the world of cinematography and filmmaking.
Mathieson embarked on a distinguished career in the British film industry, initially serving as a camera assistant to the renowned director of photography, Gabriel Beristain. Through dedication and perseverance, he steadily progressed up the ranks, garnering valuable experience and honing his skills.
A pivotal moment in his professional journey arrived in 1988, when he collaborated on the trailblazing music video "Peek-a-Boo" for the influential British post-punk band Siouxsie and the Banshees. Directed by the talented Peter Scammell, this innovative project marked a significant breakthrough for Mathieson, showcasing his growing expertise and paving the way for future success.
John Maybury, the acclaimed director of Sinéad O'Connor's poignant music video "Nothing Compares 2 U", embarked on a creative partnership with the talented photographer, Mathieson. This fruitful collaboration led to Mathieson's involvement in Maybury's critically acclaimed film, "Love Is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon", a project that showcased his exceptional skills behind the lens.
Throughout the 1990s, Mathieson continued to refine his craft by capturing a diverse range of subjects, including numerous television commercials and music videos for a variety of renowned artists. His portfolio boasts an impressive array of work, featuring iconic figures such as Madonna, Prince, and Massive Attack, each project allowing him to hone his skills and push the boundaries of his artistic vision.
As Mathieson's career progressed, he became known for his versatility and ability to adapt to different styles and genres, solidifying his position as a highly sought-after photographer in the industry.
In the mid-1990s, renowned cinematographer Mathieson had the esteemed privilege of capturing the visual essence of two feature films under the visionary direction of Karim Dridi, a feat that garnered him the prestigious title of Chevalier from the French government, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistry.
As he continued to hone his craft, Mathieson's talents did not go unnoticed by Tony Scott, a prominent filmmaker in his own right, who was impressed by Mathieson's work on television commercials for RSA Films, a production company known for its high-caliber visual storytelling.
This professional nod from Scott ultimately led to Mathieson being invited to join the visual effects team as a cinematographer on the 1998 action-thriller Enemy of the State, a high-stakes production that showcased Mathieson's versatility and expertise in a fast-paced, visually demanding environment.
Mathieson's impressive portfolio and his ability to seamlessly transition between different mediums and genres have cemented his position as a sought-after cinematographer in the industry, with a reputation for delivering exceptional results that consistently exceed expectations.
Mathieson's creative endeavors in cinematography first came to fruition when he was entrusted with capturing the visually striking moments in the film Plunkett & Macleane, a project helmed by the talented director Jake Scott. This collaboration did not go unnoticed, as it subsequently led to the esteemed filmmaker Ridley Scott taking notice of Mathieson's exceptional skills.
Ridley Scott, renowned for his own impressive body of work, extended an invitation to Mathieson to join him on his next project, marking the beginning of a fruitful and long-lasting professional relationship between the two. Mathieson would go on to work with Scott on a total of five films, a testament to the trust and mutual respect that developed between them.
One of the most notable outcomes of their collaboration was Mathieson's nomination for an Academy Award for his work on the epic historical drama Gladiator, released in the year 2000. This prestigious recognition was a significant milestone in Mathieson's career, demonstrating the impact of his artistic vision on the cinematic world.
Furthermore, Mathieson's contributions to the film industry were also acknowledged by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA),which awarded him the coveted Best Cinematography prize in the same year as his Academy Award nomination. This outstanding achievement served as a fitting culmination to his remarkable work on Gladiator, solidifying Mathieson's position as a master of his craft.
Mathieson's second Academy Award nomination was a notable achievement, occurring in the year 2004, when he worked on the production of The Phantom of the Opera, a cinematic masterpiece directed by the renowned filmmaker Joel Schumacher.
Despite his impressive track record in big-budget film production, Mathieson has always remained committed to his roots in independent British cinema, collaborating on a range of projects that showcase his versatility and dedication to the craft.
One such example is the 2004 film Trauma, a more modestly budgeted production that allowed Mathieson to exercise his creative skills in a unique and challenging environment.
Another notable example is the 2005 film Stoned, a critically acclaimed drama that further demonstrated Mathieson's ability to adapt to diverse projects and genres.
Mathieson's impressive career has also encompassed his involvement in the DC Films production of Batgirl, a project that unfortunately did not come to fruition in August 2022.
In his personal life, Mathieson is married to the lovely Maria Tarmander, with whom he shares a deep and enduring bond.
In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Mathieson has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry, earning the prestigious honor of a Knighthood of the Order of Arts and Letters.
