Customer Reviews

Richard Avedon: Darkness & Light [VHS]

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Helen Whitney's production, "Richard Avedon: Darkness and Light", provides a comprehensive overview of the career, and also to some extent, of the personal life of this exceptional photographer. The program details Mr. Avedon's work, which over the past fifty years has attempted to "nurture perceptions that most people discard".

The first thirty minutes of this film describe Mr. Avedon's journey, from his work in Paris fashion magazines in the year 1946, to around 1966 when he became temporarily disillusioned with the social life within the fashion world. The next twenty minutes work to describe his growth as a portrait photographer. During this period, the human face becomes the "primary focus of attention" of Mr. Avedon's eye, with portrait styles ranging from explosive multiple exposures to serene comments on human dignity. Most of the work of this period was photographed against Mr. Avedon's "signature" solid white background.

The documentary then becomes somewhat more personal in describing Mr. Avedon's relationship with his father, a Russian Jewish immigrant, during the final stages of his father's struggle with terminal cancer. Photographs of his dying father were made, however, thoughts regarding possible "invasions of personal privacy" and the meaning of the quality of their relationship at that time are explored.

The program describes Mr. Avedon's trip to the American West, while recuperating from health problems. There, he made photographs of working class people, drifters and generally those who exist outside of the gaze of the mass media. The final thirty minutes of the program become more philosophical in nature, with meditations on Mr. Avedon's relationship to his subjects and reflections on his reputation within the world of photography.

The subjects of Mr. Avedon's photographic work represent people both known to the general public and those unknown. These images serve as unique documents of the diversity of human experience in much of the later part of the twentieth century. So lovers of photography, and of the arts in general, will not want to miss this captivating documentary.

This moving work is one of the most inspirational profiles for any creative person to review. Whether one creates in the arts or in business, one's creative energy will get an extra boost from this compassionate film.

Avedon is very expressive; giving the viewer insight to his creative (thought) process and his control. His body of work is a fascinating documentation of our post WWII culture. His portraits are penetrating. His interpretations of our cultures style are amazing. His history is storybook, and his "inner-light" is therapeutic.

I regret the producers do not get proper billing on this page. They document this great American artist with the grace, dignity and interest, that rivals what this artist creates in his camera. We are blessed to have this work produced during this time of the subject's life.

You will watch this many, many times, and perhaps, share with friends that you care about!

This DVD is an amazing insight into the mind and vision of a true genius. His rare talent can be seen in every image, and his own narration makes you feel as though he were sitting there with you, telling you the story behind every photograph. His fabulous joy of life is an inspiration to all.

Thank you for sharing your talent and love of photography with us. We are so much better for having you show us what we could not see ourselves.

We will miss you, Richard, but we will never forget you.

This DVD was a pleasure to watch as Avedon himself talks about his work and progression as a photographer. He talks about his philosophies when dealing with sitters and other fashion notables lend some interesting insight into his work and life.

You can look at his images and read what he has to say about work, but his vibrancy on video really come out and you can imagine how dynamic and interactive he is on the set.

A must have video document that gives deeper insights into the life and career one of the worlds best portrait photographers ever. There is a lot more to discover than the glamourous photos that made Richard Avedon famous around the world. This video also tells a lot about himself and how he took many of his most famous shots. A must have for everyone interested in photography, particularly in portrait photography.

If there were ever evidence that American commerce has lost its soul, one need only wonder why this film/DVD is nearly impossible to find. Ironically, Richard Avedon was in search of the expression behind the expression: the self exposed as much as it can be--the person being private in public. Maybe it's just too frightening to consider an artist and art such as this one in an age oversaturated with images and bereft of substance. Luckily my neighborhood library has a copy.

This is the best DVD I have ever seen on a photographer. I have already viewed this dvd at least 20 times over the years. Avedon's comments are vital and interesting. the energy he had is incredible and you can feel it when he is talking. What a fascinating person and what a revolutionary photographer for his time. Great interview from people he photographed or who worked for him. Along with his books this is a piece of photographic history worth having. If only other DVDs were made the same way this one is - go buy it now, do not hesitate!

This is a great video to watch if you are a lover of the photography (especially commercial/fashion photography) and the arts.
This dvd is entertaining from beggining to end and is well made.

A well done and informative DVD. I use it in my photo classes. My only complaint is that it is not closed captioned for the hearing impaired. I have students who are hearing impaired and this lack of captioning makes it difficult for al to enjoy.

it is a fairly decent length of video. avedon's style is basically black and white for portraiture and there is no big secret to his style because all you have to do is bracket your shots then choose which one attracts you more then frame it, that's all. i was impressed only of his fashion photography wherein he "invented" the "action" photography which he pioneered which is being copied nowadays by fashion photographers. but currently i think annie liebowitz is giving avedon a run for his creativity. one of avedon's great photographs i admired was that of the beatles psychedelic portrait, that is awesome. i did not like avedon's taking photos of his dying father, i do not like remembering my dying father in photographs, i would prefer remembering him in happier times.