The book is only in the Estonian language.
When people talk about movies, they first talk about all the actors in the main roles because the story is told through them. There is also an emphasis on the director, the conductor of the entire film orchestra. The cinematographer, however, thanks to whom the whole narrative is saved for the screen with its magic of light and shadows, is often somewhat overshadowed. In this way, Alar Kivilo, the Estonian cinematographer who has reached the furthest and highest in world cinematography, has remained in the shadows for many Estonians.
Now Alar himself steps into the centre of the big screen for the first time – in the book “Operator”, which is the story of his life and work written by himself, from his birth in a family of expats in Montreal to his rise to the higher echelon of Hollywood filmmakers, in addition to philosophical insights into the creation of film magic and nearly a thousand photos.
“Operator. Our Man in Hollywood” could be mandatory reading for young people who are just learning the language of film, serious film enthusiasts, and, of course, everyone who wants to experience one of our men, an Estonian, becoming our man in Hollywood.
“Alar Kivilo is the most famous Estonian cinematographer in the world, but I don’t know a simpler, friendlier and kinder person. He has not kept his rich experiences to himself but has shared them in Estonia as well, being an example for many of our young operators.”
– Tiina Lokk, head of PÖFF
“You have breathed life into this film [The Choice], and your work is another shining character.”
– Teresa Palmer, actress
“To the health of the trembling and flickering shadows we cast on the screen at the edge of vision.”
– Scott Hicks, director
“The look on your face [behind the camera] is always the last yes for me.”
– Dana Delany, Actress
What can I say? You are such a necessary partner. Every day, I admire your creativity, work ethic, and thirst for life.
– Kyra Sedgwick, actress and director
“To Alar Kivilo, our operator. If you could see what I looked like in the morning and how I ended up in the movie – two very different things.”
– Sandra Bullock, actress
