Screen Share | Films that use photography to reflect on love, life and self
A still from ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ Photo credit: Prime Video
Life has been awfully steady since my father died a few weeks ago. As I flip through the pictures he took of us, and our shared love of photography and real art, I think of what Ed Harris’ photographer told his son in 2017. Kodachrome: “Photography is human nature made real.”
The photographer found several such iconic moments on screen – a reflection that extends from Mohanlal the photographer (2006)To Fahad Fasil Maheshinte Prathikaram (2016) gave several fascinating descriptions of still camera storytellers; Thriller like how a photograph becomes irrefutable evidence memorabilia, rear window And Blow-upOr as a cupid that strikes an unlikely match (2019’s photograph) it can manifest ghosts and forebodings (CV or Look at Zara), or even by shattering political dreams (the scoopor of 2011 Co)
However, beyond such purpy titles there are films that have used photography as a lens to reveal the protagonist’s inner landscapes. For example, leads in films like War Photographerscivil war And A thousand times good night Crumbling beneath his existential search for meaning in the chaos, or discovering the scars his risky endeavors have left on his life.
A still in Juliette Benoche from ‘A Thousand Times Good Night’ Photo credit: Nordisk Film Distribution
I often think about how a camera bears witness to a person’s life like no other document – an idea that parallels our existential need for a partner to ‘witness’ our lives. Perhaps this is what Meryl Streep sees in gray-haired Clint Eastwood, with his chiseled jaw, tony suspenders and a 35mm Nikon F, Bridges of Madison CountyA heartbreaking portrait of a hopeless relationship. As she describes her flight with this photographer, who forgot to be her, the covered bridges she came to photograph become a metaphor for their secret vacation.
An unusual addition to this list, Robin Williams’ A picture of an hourIn his twisted way, Anand speaks to our conditioning for photographing (there is a charming montage of 35mm being processed in a minilab). On the non-fiction front, the BBC The Many Lives of William Klein An inspirational photo serves as an interesting close-up of the artist.
Robin Williams from ‘One Hour Photo’ Photo credit: Prime Video
As I struggle with my grief over my father’s death, I regret not clicking a simple, eye-level portrait of him on film. Why didn’t I? I think the answer lies in my strong belief that a photograph is a souvenir collected after the moment has been fully lived. As Sean Penn’s character says The Secret Life of Walter Mitty“If I like a moment — personally — I don’t like the distraction of the camera. I just want to be in it.” And so perhaps I’ve already captured the best portraits of my dad, just without needing to use my camera.
From the Hindu Cinema team, a fortnightly column recommending films and shows tied to a mood, theme, or pop cultural event.
has been published – November 08, 2024 02:57 pm IST
