Watch John Szarkowski: A Life in Photography

John Szarkowski: A Life in Photography is a fascinating documentary film that explores the life and work of John Szarkowski, a renowned photographer and curator who played a critical role in shaping the history of photography in America. The film is directed by Michael Blackwood and was released in 1998. Throughout the film, we get a glimpse into Szarkowski's life, his early years, and how he got interested in photography. Szarkowski is known for his work as the director of photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City from 1962 to 1991. During his time there, he curated several groundbreaking exhibitions and championed some of the most significant photographers of the 20th century, including Diane Arbus, Lee Friedlander, and Garry Winogrand.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is how it explores Szarkowski's unique approach to photography. Szarkowski believed that photography was an art form, and he championed photographers who created images that were more than just mere representations of reality. He believed that photographs could be works of art in their own right, and he was interested in how photographers used their cameras to create unique and compelling images.

As the film progresses, we see Szarkowski discuss some of his most famous exhibitions, including his landmark 1967 exhibition "New Documents," which featured the work of Diane Arbus, Lee Friedlander, and Garry Winogrand. Szarkowski's goal with the exhibition was to showcase a new generation of photographers who were pushing the boundaries of traditional photographic conventions.

The film also features interviews with several famous photographers who were influenced by Szarkowski's work, including Joel Meyerowitz, William Eggleston, and Stephen Shore. These interviews help to shed light on the impact that Szarkowski had on the world of photography and how his ideas continue to shape the way that photographers work today.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is how it explores Szarkowski's own photographic work. Although he is best known for his work as a curator, Szarkowski was also a talented photographer in his own right. The film features several of his images, and we get a sense of his unique vision as a photographer. Szarkowski's own photographic work is a testament to his belief that photography was an art form, and his images are filled with an intense emotional depth that is rarely found in documentary photography.

Overall, John Szarkowski: A Life in Photography is a must-see film for anyone interested in the history of photography. The film provides a fascinating look into the life and work of one of the most influential figures in photography, and it is filled with insights and perspectives that will inspire anyone who is passionate about the art form. The film is a tribute to Szarkowski's life and legacy, and it is a fitting tribute to a man who helped to shape the way that we view the world through the lens of a camera.

John Szarkowski: A Life in Photography is a 1998 documentary with a runtime of 47 minutes.