Watch Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens

Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens is a fascinating documentary that chronicles the life and career of one of the most celebrated photographers of our time. Directed by Barbara Leibovitz, the film is a comprehensive examination of the life of Annie Leibovitz, from her upbringing as a military brat to her rise as a photographer for Rolling Stone magazine, and beyond.

The film begins with childhood photos of Annie, along with interviews with her family members, who provide insight into her early years. It quickly becomes obvious that Annie's childhood was unconventional, and that her family's frequent moves had a profound impact on her creative development. Despite this instability, Annie was able to find solace in her art, and her early photography projects demonstrate a remarkable talent and a unique eye for composition.

As the film progresses, we're treated to a series of interviews with Annie, in which she opens up about her experiences working with some of the biggest names in entertainment and politics. Along the way, we get a behind-the-scenes look at some of her most famous shoots, including the iconic image of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and the controversial photo of a nude, pregnant Demi Moore.

Interspersed with these interviews are clips of Annie at work, capturing the images that have made her a legend in the world of photography. We see her in action on movie sets, in the studio with musicians, and on the campaign trail with politicians. Through it all, we get a sense of the tremendous drive and creativity that have fueled her success, as well as the challenges she's faced along the way.

One of the standout moments of the film comes when Annie reflects on the impact of September 11th on her work. After the attacks, she was inspired to create a series of portraits of people affected by the tragedy, including firefighters, police officers, and family members of the victims. These moving photos capture the spirit of resilience and determination that emerged in the wake of the attacks, and are a powerful reminder of Annie's ability to capture the essence of a moment in time.

Another highlight of the film is the way in which it takes us inside Annie's creative process. We see her working with models, experimenting with lighting, and constantly searching for the perfect shot. Throughout it all, it's clear that Annie's photography is about much more than simply taking pictures. For her, it's a way of understanding the world, of exploring the human condition, and of capturing moments of beauty and grace.

By the end of the film, we're left with a profound appreciation for Annie Leibovitz and the incredible body of work she's created over the course of her career. We see her as a fearless artist who has never been afraid to push boundaries and challenge conventional wisdom. We also see her as a human being, with all the vulnerabilities and complexities that come with the territory. Ultimately, the film is a celebration of Annie's life and work, and a testament to the power of art to inspire, transform, and illuminate the world around us.

Overall, Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens is a must-see for anyone with an interest in photography, art, or creativity in general. It's a beautifully crafted film that will leave you feeling inspired, moved, and deeply impressed by one of the greatest photographers of our time. Highly recommended.

Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.