Dante Spinotti was born in Tolmezzo, Udine, in the northeastern Italian
Region of Friuli. He began his career at RAI (Italian TV), before that
he spent lot of time in Kenia as cinematographer for his uncle. In
1985, producer
Dino De Laurentiis offered him a chance to work in USA for the
first time with
Michael Mann for the feature
Manhunter (1986). From that experience,
Spinotti became one of the most appreciated cinematographer in
Hollywood. His particular vision gives a movie a great sense of
reality. Among his works are:
The Last of the Mohicans (1992) (Academy Nomination),
Heat (1995),
L.A. Confidential (1997) (Academy Nomination),
The Insider (1999) (Academy Nomination), and
Wonder Boys (2000). He married his wife Marcella, and they live in Los Angeles,
Rome, and Tolmezzo.