Claude Renoir; Cinematographer Excelled With Color

Claude Renoir, 79, a cinematographer and grandson of Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Renoir was the son of actor Pierre Renoir and nephew of film director Jean Renoir, with whom he collaborated at the start of his career as cinematographer for “Toni” in 1935. They later worked together on several other films, including the acclaimed “La Grande Illusion” in 1937 and “The River” in 1951. The picture, set in India, was acclaimed both for content and visual excellence and brought international praise to both Jean and Claude Renoir, who gained a reputation as one of the greatest color cinematographers of the century. Other directors Claude Renoir worked with included Bertrand Blier, Roger Vadim and Claude Zidi. In Troyes, east of Paris, on Sept. 5 of unannounced causes.