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ICA Films
Posted: September 12th, 2008.
An insightful look into how an artist ultimately confronts life and loss through a lens, Barbara Leibovitz’s smart docu on her sister Annie follows her evolution from bubbly art school student to denizen of American photography’s upper echelon. Variety
…an intimate view of both working method and Leibovitz herself. Empire
Flash, bang, wallop, what a picture… **** Total Film
…an affectionate insider-job that aims to please. Time Out
Like her photographs, its polished and very pleasing to the eye. Film 2008 with Jonathan Ross **** Film Review
A fascinating portrait of the life and work of the iconic American photographer, Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens isset for DVD release on 8 September 2008 courtesy of ICA Films. Directed by Annies sister Barbara Leibovitz, the film takesus on a journey of discovery in which a highly talented young art school student becomes the premiere photographer and chroniclerof her generation.
Even if you havent heard of Annie Leibovitz, youll have seen her work. Often theatrical or provocative, her portrait shotsretain the same resonance today as when they were first shot. Theres the naked and heavily pregnant Demi Moore, Yoko Onobeing cradled by a naked John Lennon, a shot that became unbelievably surreal having been taken just hours before he wasshot by Mark Chapman, Bette Midler on a bed of vibrant red roses through to Whoopi Goldberg emerging from a bath filled withmilk.
Almost as famous as the people she photographs, Annies own life has been private and protected. With a career spanning morethan 30 years, her inspiration as a photographer grew out of her early years travelling with her father, an Air Force pilot,and large family. Spending hours in cars, planes and trains meant Annie was continually viewing the world via framed windows,providing immense inspiration for her later years.
Starting out as a photo journalist for Rolling Stone magazine in the early 70s, Annie swiftly became chief photographer anda reporter of the hedonistic world that surrounded her. Falling foul of the rampant drug culture of the era, Anniesstrength of spirit and strong family allowed her to get through this difficult phase, becoming a portrait artist at Vanity Fair.
Annies relationship with Susan Sontag is touchingly highlighted in Life Through a Lens, as is her relationship with herchildren, the first of whom was born when Annie was 51. Featuring interviews with Graydon Carter, Rosanne Cash, Hillary RodhamClinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Yoko Ono and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gloria Steinem and Anna Wintour,Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens is quite simply a must have DVD that can be enjoyed and savoured time and time again.
About the director:Barbara Leibovitz began her career in 1987 at the CBC News programme 48 HOURS. She then worked at the Nine Network in Sydney,Australia. Upon her return to the U.S., she began freelance producing with Entertainment Tonight, E! Entertainment television,Consumer Reports Television and VH1. In close collaboration with her [partner Jaime Hellman, she has written, directed andproduced award-winning documentaries for PBS and other networks such as Discovery Channel, National Geographic and CNN,among others.
The DVD is released on September 8th 2008, it runs for 92 minutes and retails for £19.99,but is currently on Amazon at the link above for £14.99.
Vote and comment on this DVD: News page content input by Dominic Robinson, 2008.
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.