1.6 References | books - journals - newspapers - web - social media

Documentary Review

‘’ Pen Brush and Camera ‘’ is a documentary , revealing  the extraordinary life and art on one of history’s most influential figures in photographic field. Henri Cartier-Bresson gives us a revealing interview, about his life, beliefs and works. That is equally matched with three exhibitions that revealed his works throughout the years.

Lord Haley being interviewed at one of the exhibitions put up , defines Bresson’s works and greatest images to be the ones Bresson himself calls ‘’ the decisive moment’. Marking his anniversary four London leading galleries come together in showcasing his work in his long years . One gallery would not be sufficient to display the vast amount of works. Cartier-Bresson grew up and lived in Paris though he travelled the world. He married a photographer and lived in Paris. In his last 20 years he gave up photography and dedicated himself to his other artistic side drawing and creating paintings from his own photography. The difference clearly shows that he is a master at photography.

Cartier-Bresson describes photography as instant drawing. He learnt all he knew on photography through Andre Lhote. Who was a great painter at the time. Surrealism also influenced Cartier-Bresson and such is reflected in his work.

The documentary is based more on his life and influences, including travel. Rather than based and showcasing his works, although there are certain instances were some of his works are shown briefly. In Such a documentary and influential figure, one would expect to have a deeper look and more analysis on his works rather than the places he travelled and who he met. But in turn such works are produced from such influences such as Dali whom he met at the age of 22.

He decided to travel to the African Continent, being fed up of Europe to photograph big game. Describing photography as is you are a hunter ‘’ like a hunter it must be right I shot one kill’’.

What is interesting on the other hand is the analytical approach included in the interview in one of the studios. Where analysis and explanation on some of the phot/ographs is given./

Last accessed 18/01/2014  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR7JPiLyDGk

Contributors include fellow photographers Eve Arnold and Lord Snowdon, art historian Ernst Gombrich and Lord Healey.
Documentary"http://www.openculture.com/2013/06/th...