Ep 9. Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens

Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens is the ninth episode of the twentieth season of the acclaimed PBS series American Masters. This episode provides a rare glimpse into the life and work of celebrated photographer Annie Leibovitz. Through interviews and archival footage, the film chronicles Leibovitz's rise to prominence as one of the most influential photographers of our time.

Viewers are taken on a journey that begins with Leibovitz's humble beginnings as a staff photographer for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s. The episode explores how her portraits of music icons like John Lennon, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen helped shape the visual identity of the 1970s counterculture movement. From there, the episode delves into her work at Vanity Fair, where her portraits of Hollywood stars and other luminaries redefined celebrity culture.

Interspersed throughout the documentary are personal anecdotes from Leibovitz herself, as she describes the inspirations and creative processes behind some of her most iconic photographs. From her controversial photo shoots with Demi Moore and Miley Cyrus to her haunting portraits of Susan Sontag, the documentary provides a comprehensive look at Leibovitz's oeuvre.

But the episode is not just a superficial examination of Leibovitz's work. It also looks at the toll that her success has taken on her personal life. The documentary explores her relationships with Sontag, her children, and her own parents, illuminating a more vulnerable side to the artist than is typically seen in the public eye.

Throughout the episode, we see Leibovitz grappling with questions of art, fame, and identity. We see her striving to remain relevant in a constantly evolving industry, creating new work that challenges her and her peers. We see her contending with critics who argue that her work is more about branding than art. And we see her thinking about her own mortality, and the legacy she will leave behind.

Through it all, Leibovitz remains a fascinating subject. Her photographs have shaped the way we see the world, and this documentary provides a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the woman behind the lens. Fans of photography, pop culture, and American history will not want to miss this insightful episode of American Masters.