Deakins doesn't want you to notice

The cinematographer would like your focus on the story. He and his wife wrote a book.

- BY MARK OLSEN

JAY L. CLENDENIN L.A. Times ROGER Deakins has won two Oscars.

Roger Deakins is among the most celebrated and best-known cinematographers of his era.

A two-time Oscar winner, he has worked with filmmakers such as Joel and Ethan Coen, Sam Mendes, Denis Villeneuve and many more, on films including "No Country for Old Men," "The Big Lebowski," "Skyfall," "Sicario," "Blade Runner 2049" and "1917."

Deakins, 76, who often works in collaboration with his wife, James Ellis Deakins, has for the last few years been hosting a podcast, “Team Deakins,” interviewing filmmakers.

He has recently published “Reflections: On Cinematography,” which is part memoir and part howto, drawing from his personal archives to explore his work on so many contemporary classics.

Roger and James Deakins recently got on a video call from their home in Santa Monica to talk about the book, their relationship and whether to expect another movie from the Coen brothers.

JAMES Ellis Deakins, left, and Roger Deakins at the 2023 Oscars; he was nominated for "Empire of Light."

One of the things that’s so striking about the book is that it is very much a memoir, the story of your life, but it is told through these movies and an exploration of your artistic practice.

Roger Deakins: Well, that was the balance. We didn’t want it to be a technical manual and we didn’t want it to be a sort of tell-all or just recounting old stories.

James Deakins: When you work in the film business, it’s so intense. Your work is your life.