War Photographer
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Movie Reviews of War Photographer
Movie Review: The world's misery through the eyes of this photographer
Summary: 4 Stars
This 2001 film is a documentary about James Nachtwey, a war photographer whose camera has documented much of the horror in the world during his 20 year career. He was in Nicaragua, Rwanda and Bosnia during some of the most profound episodes of violence and his photos have won acclaim worldwide.
He's a slim, quiet and determined man and he is totally devoted to his craft. He risks his life and brings the agony right onto our television screens and magazines. Christiane Amanpour narrates some of the film and we see video clips of her as well as our photographer, covering the story of a huge mass grave that has been dug up in Bosnia. Because is through their eyes that the rest of the world will learn these stories, she talks about the tremendous responsibilities that they, as journalists, face.
I sat there, transfixed by one terrible image after another. There's death, destruction, crippling poverty and crippled people. And the there are the grieving relatives. It was awful. So awful, in fact, that I actually fell asleep. Perhaps that was because all this horror was too much to handle in one sitting.
I'm glad this film was made. It's a testament to one man's dedication to his profession. It's just that it's really hard to watch. And so my recommendation is limited to only those hearty souls who are willing to catch a glimpse of the world's misery.
Movie Review: War Photographer
Summary: 4 Stars
Yes to this video, and also W Gene Smith, and Henri C Bresson, Andre Kertez, and the Contact Series, and Adventures in Photography - Kulter Video. On War Photographer-Well no one wants to watch war, But its more of a person thats telling his story, and I'm glad that he was using film to record his images, and its was very moving, and sad the horror, and pain that others have to suffer. I was very interested in the small camera attachment that was mounted on his lens, but its a gadget, and its not considered as a journalistic item-and its not tell the story, its the photographer-his stories, his views. Otherwise the documentary should of been ALL VIDEO. The photographer was cool, and knew what he was doing, knows is craft very well, under pressure. I highly recommend this video for students that are getting into the photo documentary field, and in closing its not the equipment that makes the photo its your eye.... I to am also a photographer, and doing travel documentary, and my gear is 40 years old, and still using it. Nikon F SLR, and Canon 7 RF all 35mm film....
Movie Review: Stories of victims of war and other things
Summary: 4 Stars
War PhotographerIf you get a chance, I recommend you see the film "War Photographer". It is very well done. ...
James Nachtwey's images are, in some way, records of some of the unintended consequences the current regime. We need to change at least a few of the fundamentals if we want to get better pictures in the future.
Nachwey succeeds very well in forcing us out of our Western/Consumer/Entertainment echo chamber -- at least for the duration of the film. In this way it is related to "Power Politics" by Arundhati Roy. ...
-Jock Gill
Movie Review: Comments to the product
Summary: 4 Stars
The Frei reportage is highly intensive, comparison between action and the Nachtwey photos is interesting. For 20 dollars plus mail expense I missed, however, a still photogallery!Movie Review: Withering critique of the self-satisifed peaceniks
Summary: 1 Stars
Though they sure don't see it that way.
Asking if your work exploits others is much like the question, "Should I turn my headlights on?" Well, asking it answers it. Yes, James Nachtwey and Christiane Amanpour are fabulously self-absorbed people who believe they are not cynical but honest. I disagree. They would not have jobs if not for human suffering, a suffering they jet to in lovely, comfy airplanes wearing crisp jeans (I'm betting he doesn't crease those himself) and perfectly coiffed hair.
And then, after I sat through this weary tale of people talking about how brave and important they were, I had to listen to Mr. Nachtway tell me that if people could just see the suffering bullets and sulfur cause, they would certainly stop. And what image is behind him while his voice-over bleats these pious platitudes? Teenager boys in Ramallah tossing rocks, and wishing they had better weapons. Come on bud. You watched a man get beaten to death. Those people saw the suffering they directly caused, and they reveled in it! While it easy to fantasize that war is caused by old men far away, that is just not the truth. The wars he has photographed, in Kosovo, South Africa, and Rwanda, and elsewhere, were all caused by those closest to the action, the hackers and shooters and starvers and murderers who joyously slaughtered their fellows.
How James Nachtway is going to stop war by having his carefully developed and framed and displayed images enjoyed by wealthy New Yorkers sipping wine at pricey museums is beyond me. Lay off the self-congratulations; he has clearly made lots of money taking photos of people in their most desperate moments, convincing them that these pictures would alleviate their suffering. I wonder how it worked. There is a way to help people. Taking their picture isn't it.
If you've read this far and don't give me an unhelpful vote, I congratulate you. This is indeed a tale of brutality and misery, but the inhumanity of man is visible in many venues.