Annie Leibovitz, Life Through a Lens

Nicole Kidman, New York, 2003 (c) Annie Leibovitz

As the title suggests, Life Through a Lens, directed by Barbara Leibovitz captures 30 years of her sister Annie’s glittering photography career in this insightful and revealing documentary.

From the outset, Barbara shows how Annie interprets the world: from the loss of her parents;  the joys of motherhood ( in her fifties)  ‘A’ List celebrities and the horrors of war, always defined and illustrated through her iconic, arresting  pictures.

The film – shot like a home video giving an immediacy and true feel for the person behind the camera -  helps us understand the workings of a genius and how Annie remains true to the essence and soul of her subjects.
You cannot help but feel the creative process as both intense and manic.

We witness  the metamorphosis of  a wide- eyed arts student into one of the most prominent photographers of our time, able to bridge Rolling Stone -  at the time an underground magazine -  to the established, glossy publications Vogue and Vanity Fair, yet managing to retain  the uniqueness and authenticity of each.

From politicians to rock stars alike, Annie always makes her subjects feel safe – in short, they trust her enough to show themselves as they really are. Annie brings some of the most sought-after celebs including Brad Pitt, Mick Jagger, Nicole Kidman and George Clooney to life with the click of her camera.

These are the images that she’s known for, but we also see how Annie  captured the horrific Rwandan war, the death of her partner Susan Sontag, along with simple, everyday life.
One thing remains constant:  the dedication and humility in the way every individual is reflected.

Rakiya Mohammed

Annie Leibovitz, Life Through a Lens, ICA, The Mall, London, SW1Y 5AH,  15th Feb – 16th March

Like Annie Leibovitz? Then you may be Open to:

Lagerfeld Confidential

London Exhibitions

An Art Deco Affair

Rating

• add to del.icio.us
• digg this article!