museumofdave
"What kind of a person could do that?" is a question that often occurs to me when I see a photograph from a battle zone, or one which depicts ordinary people in excruciating distress. This film shows us a person who takes such photographs, one who crosses physical and emotional boundaries to places most of us wouldn't dare to approach even at a great distance.The photographer, James Nachtwey, is a cool, philosophical individual, motivated by the goodness he feels motivates humanity--in spite of the horrors he deals with on the killing fields. We have all come across the trashy photos that adorn the covers of National Enquirer, pictures that titillate and appeal to our worst natures--Nachtwey's hard-earned photos do just the opposite--they appeal to our compassion, are meant to give us insight into the human condition, the humanity we all share--and in doing so elevate all of us, enrich humanity.War Photographer is often a frankly brutal film, but it's overall impact is significantly uplifting. One greatly admires James Nachtway for his goals and is astonished by his photography.
eydryan
I believe this movie to be one of the most inspirational movies i have ever seen... Every time i watch it i have this urge to take my film, load it into my camera and just go out and live what photography is all about... It evokes in me that exact spirit that made me take up this profession and i love it for that.It's a great movie in that it shocks you. It lets you know what the world is like and it also lets you know what a photographer's job really means. All about that hassle, that peril and the drive it takes to pull through.It's a movie about all that is wrong in the world but not in a tree-hugging, stupid environmentalist way but in a way we can all relate to...If you want to see what it takes to be a photographer expect all that and more, because no one can make it in this business unless you're really good...
salty-17
I watched this film and was riveted throughout. The image quality is very high. Watching James Nachtwey work in silence with total dedication and focus while flames crackle in the background... this film is a masterpiece of understated intensity. Everybody has seen this photographers images - they just may not realize who the author of those images are. Watch this film to find out why one (and many other) individual takes the risks and endures the hardships to freeze-frame and expose the uglier sides of human nature.
ttlysik
This film manages to show us an extraordinary slice of life, and make a significant comment on western society at the same time. The directerremains distant-letting Nachtway and others make the point. Ingenious use of multiple cameras as well as Nachtway's "still" black and white photos make this compelling to watch as well.Regardless of location or assignment this should be a primer for all working journalists as well as all journalism students.
AD
