Watch An American Journey: In Robert Frank's Footsteps

An American Journey: In Robert Frank's Footsteps is a documentary film directed by Philippe Séclier. It follows the journey of two photographers, Ed Ruscha and Raymond Depardon, as they embark on a road trip across America, retracing the footsteps of the well-known American photographer Robert Frank. The film is a tribute to Robert Frank's seminal book, The Americans, which was published in 1958 and has since become an important reference point in the history of American photography. The book is a powerful visual narrative of America in the mid-twentieth century, capturing the country's cultural and political tensions in a series of candid, black-and-white images.

Ruscha and Depardon set out on their journey with the aim of exploring Frank's legacy and discovering new insights into the country he captured so vividly. Driving from New York to New Orleans, they visit the places Frank photographed, meet some of the people he photographed, and reflect on his impact on their own artistic practices.

The film is structured as a series of chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the journey. In one chapter, Ruscha and Depardon visit a small town in Indiana, where Frank took a photograph of four white men sitting outside a barbershop in 1955. They meet one of the men's sons, who shares his memories of his father and the town at that time. In another chapter, they visit a diner in Nevada, where Frank had taken a picture of two young waitresses leaning against the counter. They meet with the current owner of the diner, who shares his thoughts on how the town has changed since Frank's visit.

Throughout the film, Ruscha and Depardon reflect on their own experiences as photographers and how Frank's work has influenced them. Ruscha discusses how his own work, which often involves photographing gas stations and other mundane, everyday objects, has been inspired by Frank's ability to find beauty in the ordinary. Depardon, a French photographer and filmmaker, reflects on the cultural differences between France and America and how Frank's work has helped him better understand the country's complexities.

In addition to exploring Frank's legacy, the film also offers a fascinating glimpse into contemporary America. Ruscha and Depardon are attentive observers, capturing scenes of everyday life with a quiet, contemplative style. They photograph landscapes, people, and architecture, all with an eye for detail and a sensitivity to the country's many contradictions.

An American Journey: In Robert Frank's Footsteps is a beautifully shot and well-crafted film that offers a thoughtful reflection on photography, art, and American culture. It celebrates Frank's remarkable legacy while also shedding new light on the country he so skillfully captured. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of American photography and the way imagery can shape our understanding of the world around us.