Watch An Unlikely Weapon: The Eddie Adams Story

An Unlikely Weapon: The Eddie Adams Story is a documentary film that delves into the life of the acclaimed photojournalist, Eddie Adams. Adams gained worldwide recognition for his iconic Vietnam War photograph, which depicts South Vietnamese General Nguyen Ngoc Loan executing a Vietcong prisoner in the middle of the street. The photograph won Adams a Pulitzer Prize and became one of the most significant images of the 20th century.

The film, directed by Susan Morgan Cooper, opens with Adams discussing the photograph that made him famous. He talks about the moment when he captured the image and how it changed his life. The film then takes the viewers back to Adams' early life growing up in a working-class family in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Through interviews with his family members and friends, we get a glimpse of the young Eddie Adams and his love for photography.

Adams joined the military at the age of 18 and was assigned to the United States Marine Corps photography unit where he honed his skills as a photographer. After leaving the military, Adams moved to New York City and started his career as a freelance photographer. He became one of the most sought-after photographers of the time, capturing some of the most iconic images of the 20th century.

The film explores Adams' work in different parts of the world, from the brutal war in Vietnam to the peaceful streets of New York City. Through his lens, Adams documented the struggles and triumphs of people from all walks of life, capturing their raw emotions and telling their stories through his photographs.

The documentary also features interviews with some of the most prominent names in journalism and photography, including Tom Brokaw, Peter Jennings, Gordon Parks, Bill Eppridge, David Hume Kennerly, Rod Steiger, Peter Arnett, and Kerry Kennedy. These interviews provide insights into the impact that Adams had on the world of photojournalism and the respect he earned from his peers.

The film also explores Adams' personal life, including his marriage to Alyssa Adams and his struggle with alcoholism. Through interviews with his friends and family, we see a different side of Adams, a man who was passionate about his work but struggled with his personal demons.

An Unlikely Weapon: The Eddie Adams Story is a powerful and emotional film that showcases the incredible work of a master photographer. The film highlights the importance of photojournalism and the impact that a single photograph can have on the world. Through this movie, viewers get to know Eddie Adams, the man behind the camera, and his legacy as one of the greatest photographers of his time.

In conclusion, An Unlikely Weapon: The Eddie Adams Story is a must-watch documentary for anyone who is interested in photography or journalism. It provides a unique perspective on the life and work of a true icon in the field of photojournalism.