In loving Memory of Ken Kelsch , Obituary, Abel Ferrara Cinematographer

Ken Kelsch, a renowned cinematographer known for his vivid depictions of New York City in films such as Big Night, Bad Lieutenant, and The Addiction, passed away on December 11 at the age of 76. Born in Brooklyn, NY, on July 8, 1947, Kelsch was one of four children and had an interest in photography at the age of 12. His father encouraged him to take pictures and interact with his subjects, which helped him cope with his bashful nature.

Kelsch was an avid moviegoer, and the sci-fi thriller The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms left a strong impression on him. He was profoundly affected by Psycho, which he saw with his grandfather one great afternoon in a real, old-fashioned, big-screen theater in magnificent black-and-white. After graduating high school, Kelsch had dreams of becoming a doctor, but early in his college education at Rutgers University, he dropped out to join the U.S. Army. As his training progressed, he was quickly moved into more specialized instruction to become a member of the Special Forces (MACV-SOG) Command and Control North.

Kelsch served as a first lieutenant within the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) Command and Control North, responsible for clandestine CIA-led cross-border operations in Cambodia and Laos. After returning to the States, Kelsch sought to resume his interests in the visual arts, enrolling at Montclair State University in New Jersey to study photography, which led to filmmaking and shooting a short film that would gain him entry into New York University’s Film & Television program.

Beda Batka was his cinematography professor at NYU, and he received his best professional advice of his career, from guest lecturer John Cassavetes: “John told us to never stop shooting. Just figure out a way to do it.” Working full-time while keeping up with his studies and volunteering to shoot every student project he could to gain experience with different tools and techniques, he finally earned his MFA in 1977.

In 1978, Kelsch got his first big break – shooting the cult-favorite horror feature The Driller Killer. It marked the beginning of his career as director of photography, as well as his long-standing working relationship with director Abel Ferrara, himself a native of the Bronx. Their initial meeting was unusual, as Kelsch related to British Cinematographer in 2021

My father Ken Kelsch passed away last night. If you knew him, you probably have a story about him. He really was a great man, loved by many. A war hero who filled every room with his presence. An artist who never stopped being himself. A caring father who would do anything for his kids and grandkids. Shared his experience, wisdom, and love with all. Our family will deeply miss him and always love him as im sure many of you will as well. I will follow up with services

The duo went on to work together on 12 feature films, including Bad Lieutenant, Dangerous Game, The Addiction, The Funeral (for which he earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination), New Rose Hotel, ’R Xmas, and Kelsch’s final screen credit, the melancholy 2019 documentary The Projectionist.

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Of his work with Ferrara, a favorite of the cinematographer’s was The Addiction (1995), a contemporary vampire tale which finds a young woman (Lili Taylor) fiending for blood as might a junkie for heroin. “The problem with The Addiction was we had no money,” Kelsch told British Cinematographer. “I shot it black-and-white as a DP, and I thought it couldn’t be changed. The last transfer I did for Blu Ray was much closer to my original vision. As a DP, I consider myself a source-driven minimalist unless I am going to make a stylistic leap, where it’s going to be all stylized.

My beautiful, kind, hilarious, and bad ass Dad , Ken Kelsch passed away yesterday. He was the best Dad and Poppy to my kids. He was the most charismatic person I’ve ever met – he lit up any room he was in. He was my rock, we talked multiple times a day and he loved coming to see his grandchildren several times a week. Though he had been sick for a few weeks we really didn’t expect this. I feel so lost without you Dad.

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