Sergei Urusevsky

December 10, 1908 – October 12, 1974

Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire

Sergei Urusevsky (23 December 1908 - 12 November 1974) was a Soviet cinematographer and film director, renowned for his work with Grigoriy Chukhray, Mikhail Kalatozov and Yuli Raizman. His subjective camera style in I Am Cuba and The Cranes Are Flying is regarded as one of the best of all time, winning him several awards throughout his career. Urusevsky's work draws influence from Eduard Tisse, the cinematographer known for his work with Sergei Eisenstein on the film Strike. He was very candid in his admiration for Pablo Picasso and was even sent ceramic paintings from the esteemed artist. In 1946, Urusevsky became a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and continued to be pro-communism for the entirety of his life.