Documentary Review
In the documentary called The Genius of Photography. Titled
‘’ Documents for artists ‘’ Published by the BBC in 2006 and awarded in 2007.
The narration of the documentary is quite clear and to the
point. Starting the documentary with a pre introduction and some footage,
before leading you to an hour’s long documentary, covering various important
events and milestones in the early 1920’s and World War I.
It mainly elaborates and explains in detail how various
photographers at the time such as Rodchenko. Who used this medium which at the
time was the main focus in the decades following the first world war . As a
main means of communication and propaganda campaign. Coupled with interviews
throughout the documentary with various well know Photographers. Image analysis
was also included in the documentary giving a detailed account on some of the
images taken at the time. The camera in the 1920’s was seen as the way of the
future. Personal interpretations in the documentary were not convincing enough
since they lacked primary source information and was only based on their
ideology and opinions.
Various writers, historians and museum curators, also gave
their share of contribution and expertise in the field. This showed that the
documentary was well researched and funded in giving the artist, or viewer the
best in information. Primary and secondary sources were both used, such as
private collections and collections owned by museums.
Through time a new camera had been developed which was the
Leica. This enabled the social life to become more fluid. The documentary
emphasizes on the life’s of the greatest such as Lazlo Moholy-Nagy. Who said
‘’ Anyone who fails
the understanding of photography will be one of the illiterates of the future’’.
– Moholy-Nagy.
In the controversial magazine that was published by a master of photography manipulation and propaganda Rodchenko titled ’’ USSR in Construction’’. It is said that photography can be harnessed and also serve a purpose and not only seen to be as a destructive or magical medium.
The
documentary wraps up with a rather quick and clear conclusion. Briefly
describing the moments of importance the 1920’s leaving the viewer to think in
depth on the developments of photography.
Last accessed 18/01/2014
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