Movies About Photography

From Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund, starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
Rated R

City of God is a 2002 Brazilian crime drama directed by Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund. The film follows two boys, Rocket and Li'l Ze, as they grow up in a crime-ridden slum of Rio de Janeiro. The story is set between the late 1960s and early 1980s and is a harshly realistic portrayal of the harsh conditions of life for those living in the slums of Rio. Rocket, a meek and introspective boy, decides from early on to pursue a life away from the crime of the slum, while Li'l Ze, a charismatic and physically intimidating boy, decides to pursue a life of crime and quickly rises up in the ranks of the slum's gangs. The film follows the two boys' diverging paths as they clash with each other and with their fellow slum dwellers in the pursuit of their respective destinies.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter
Rated PG

Rear Window is a 1954 film directed by legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. It stars James Stewart as L.B. "Jeff" Jefferies, an injured photographer who is confined to his apartment and stuck in a wheelchair. To pass the time, Jeff observes his neighbors through a rear window, and as he does, he begins to suspect that one of his neighbors, Thorwald, may have murdered his wife. With the help of his girlfriend, Lisa (Grace Kelly), Jeff sets out to prove his suspicion. As the suspense builds and Jeff's investigation progresses, the film reaches an intense climax that has thrilled audiences for decades.

From Directors: Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, Wim Wenders, starring Sebastião Salgado, Wim Wenders, Lélia Wanick Salgado, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado
Rated PG-13

The Salt of the Earth is a 2014 documentary film directed by Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado and Wim Wenders, which chronicles Salgado's life and work. The film follows Salgado's journey from his early years in Brazil to the present day, and his extensive career as a photojournalist, capturing human and environmental issues in some of the most remote and dangerous areas of the world. Throughout the film, Salgado reflects on the beauty he has seen in life, despite the tragic circumstances he has faced and witnessed. The film also examines the importance of photography and its potential to bring change in the world. The Salt of the Earth was a critical and commercial success, receiving numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Adam Baldwin
Rated R

Full Metal Jacket is a 1987 war drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick. Set during the Vietnam War, the film follows a group of U.S. Marines from their rigorous basic training to the brutal combat of Hue City. It stars Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, Vincent D'Onofrio, R. Lee Ermey, and Dorian Harewood. The film begins with the training of a group of U.S. Marines in Parris Island, South Carolina. The drill sergeant, played by Ermey, subjects them to psychological and physical abuse. After completing their training, the Marines are sent to Vietnam, where they are faced with the harsh realities of war. They are ordered to take part in a fierce battle in Hue City, and are forced to confront a well-fortified enemy. Full Metal Jacket is a powerful and emotionally charged exploration of the psychological effects of war. The film highlights the dehumanizing aspects of war, as well as the camaraderie formed among the Marines. Through the characterization of the drill sergeant, the film also critiques the military's emphasis on obedience and conformity.

From Wim Wenders, starring Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell, Sam Berry
Rated R

Paris, Texas is a critically acclaimed drama film by German director Wim Wenders. The film follows the story of Travis (played by Harry Dean Stanton), a man who has been missing for four years, and his brother Walt (Dean Stockwell) who helps him re-enter society. Travis's estranged wife Jane (Nastassja Kinski) and their son Hunter (Hunter Carson) also play an important role in the film. The story follows Travis's journey of self-discovery, as he reconnects with his family and attempts to build a new life for himself. During his journey, Travis confronts the demons of his past and finds solace in his relationship with his son. The film is ultimately a story of family reconciliation, as Travis and his family find a way to come together and heal the wounds of their past.

From Wes Anderson, starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody
Rated R

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a 2014 film directed by Wes Anderson. It follows the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting, the battle for an enormous family fortune, and the wildly complicated love story of Gustave and a young woman named Agatha. It is a fast-paced adventure set in an experiential style of storytelling that blends classic elements of farce, comedy, and drama with Anderson's unique visual storytelling. It stars Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Edward Norton, Saoirse Ronan, Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, and F. Murray Abraham.

From Richard Linklater, starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Elijah Smith
Rated R

Boyhood is an American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Lorelei Linklater, and Ethan Hawke. Filmed from 2002 to 2013, Boyhood follows the life of Mason Evans Jr., played by Coltrane, from ages six to eighteen as he and his family experience the highs and lows of life. Mason's mother, Olivia, played by Arquette, struggles to provide for her children after separating from her abusive husband. Mason's father, Mason Sr., played by Hawke, is an immature and irresponsible father but ultimately provides the love and support that Mason needs. Along the way, Mason learns valuable life lessons, experiences love and heartbreak, and grows into an independent young adult. It is a unique film that captures the nuances of growing up and the hope and beauty of life.

From Directors: Emad Burnat, Guy Davidi, starring Emad Burnat, Soraya Burnat, Mohammed Burnat, Yasin Burnat
Rated Not Rated

5 Broken Cameras is a 2011 documentary film that chronicles the non-violent resistance in the Palestinian village of Bil'in, as seen through the lens of Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat. The film was co-directed by Burnat and Israeli filmmaker Guy Davidi and follows Burnat's story as he documents the struggles of his village against the building of the Israeli West Bank barrier. As the barrier's construction separates his family from their lands and disrupts their lives, Burnat's camera captures the raw emotion of his people's fight for their right to their land. Through five broken cameras, Burnat's personal story intertwines with the larger story of an occupied people's struggle for a voice in their own lives. The film won numerous awards, including the World Cinema Directing Award at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and the Ophir Award for Best Documentary at the 2011 Jerusalem Film Festival.

From Roland Joffé, starring Sam Waterston, Haing S. Ngor, John Malkovich, Julian Sands
Rated R

The Killing Fields is an Academy Award-winning film directed by Roland Joffé in 1984. It stars Sam Waterston, Haing S. Ngor and John Malkovich. The film follows the story of two journalists, Sydney Schanberg and Dith Pran, who are working in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge's regime, which brought extreme poverty and death to the country. Schanberg, an American correspondent, and Pran, his Cambodian interpreter, are forced to separate when the Khmer Rouge comes to power. Pran is sent to a labor camp, and Schanberg returns to the United States. Pran's journey and experiences in the camp are chronicled in the film, as well as Schanberg's efforts to bring Pran's story and the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge to the world's attention.

From Directors: John Maloof, Charlie Siskel, starring Vivian Maier, John Maloof, Daniel Arnaud, Simon Amédé
Rated Not Rated

Finding Vivian Maier is a 2013 documentary about the life of mysterious street photographer Vivian Maier. The film follows John Maloof, a collector, as he discovers and attempts to uncover the life of the remarkable artist, who spent most of her life as a nanny, and whose art was unknown during her lifetime. Maloof and co-director Charlie Siskel explore Maier's art, her mysterious past, and her great impact on the world of photography. Through interviews with those who knew her, the film reveals a complex and fascinating individual, as well as the legacy she left behind.

From Sam Mendes, starring Tom Hanks, Tyler Hoechlin, Rob Maxey, Liam Aiken
Rated R

Road to Perdition is a 2002 American crime drama film directed by Sam Mendes. It stars Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, and Daniel Craig. The film follows Michael Sullivan (Hanks) and his son as they embark on a quest for revenge after Sullivan's wife and second son are murdered by mob enforcer Harlen Maguire (Newman). Along the way, Sullivan and his son are aided by Maguire's former protégé, John Rooney (Newman). The film is set during the Great Depression, and is based on the 1998 novel of the same name by Max Allan Collins. It was nominated for six Academy Awards and won two, for Best Cinematography and Best Music Score. It grossed over $180 million worldwide at the box office.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, Annie Corley, Victor Slezak
Rated PG-13

The Bridges of Madison County is a 1995 romantic drama film directed by Clint Eastwood. It stars Meryl Streep as Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride living with her husband and two children in Iowa. When National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid (Clint Eastwood) arrives in Madison County on assignment, he and Francesca find themselves drawn to each other. As their unexpected love affair unravels, Francesca must choose between her old life and the possibility of a new one. The Bridges of Madison County is a beautiful and tragic story of love, loss, and the consequences of choices made. It explores the idea that sometimes life’s most profound moments can be just a bridge away.

From Wes Anderson, starring Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller
Rated R

The Royal Tenenbaums is a 2001 American comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson and co-written with Owen Wilson. The film stars Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, and Bill Murray. The story follows the dysfunctional Tenenbaum family, composed of Royal (Gene Hackman), his wife Etheline (Anjelica Huston), and their three adult children, Chas (Ben Stiller), Richie (Luke Wilson) and Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow). Royal is a con artist and former businessman who declares that he and his family are on the brink of bankruptcy, and the news brings the family back together after many years of estrangement. The family must then confront their past and the secrets that have kept them apart over the years. Through a series of flashbacks, the family's wacky past is revealed, showing their lives before the breakup and their current attempts to repair the damage. As they grapple with the secrets of their past and their present, they are also forced to confront their own personal issues, which eventually leads to a reconciliation. Overall, The Royal Tenenbaums

From Michelangelo Antonioni, starring David Hemmings, Vanessa Redgrave, Sarah Miles, John Castle
Rated Not Rated

Blow-Up is a 1966 British-Italian psychological drama directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. Set in 1960s London, it follows a fashion photographer who believes he has inadvertently captured a murder on film. After blowing up the film to a larger size, he discovers an image that suggests a crime has been committed and begins to investigate. As he does so, the film explores themes of reality, perception and the nature of truth. With its striking visual imagery, the film was a critical and commercial success, winning the Palme d'Or at the 1967 Cannes Film Festival.

From Jan Troell, starring Maria Heiskanen, Mikael Persbrandt, Jesper Christensen, Callin Öhrvall
Rated Not Rated

"Everlasting Moments" (2008) is a Swedish drama directed by Jan Troell. It stars Maria Heiskanen as Maria Larsson, a working-class mother of seven living in Sweden in the early 1900s. When Maria wins a camera in a lottery, she discovers a creative outlet that helps her escape the oppressive life she leads at home. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Maria learns to use her camera to capture the beauty in her everyday life and the joy and sorrow of her family. Through her photography, Maria finds a newfound strength and resilience that helps her and her family face the harsh realities of life. The film is a testament to the power of introspection and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.

From Nuri Bilge Ceylan, starring Muzaffer Özdemir, Mehmet Emin Toprak, Zuhal Gencer, Nazan Kesal
Rated Not Rated

Distant is a 2002 Turkish film written and directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. It follows the story of Mahmut, an impoverished photographer in Istanbul, and his cousin Yusuf, who visits him from a small village. At first, their relationship is strained, as Mahmut is overwhelmed with the guilt of having abandoned his family years ago and Yusuf is disappointed in his cousin for not having achieved the success he hoped for. However, as the film progresses, they form a strong bond as they strive to make something of their lives. The film explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and hope, as it follows the two men's search for a better life.

From Oliver Stone, starring James Woods, Jim Belushi, Michael Murphy, John Savage
Rated R

From Wayne Wang, starring Harvey Keitel, William Hurt, Giancarlo Esposito, José Zúñiga
Rated R

From Ben Stiller, starring Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Jon Daly, Kathryn Hahn
Rated PG

From Heinz Bütler, starring Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alexander Brooks, Robert Delpire, Elliott Erwitt
Rated Not Rated

From Mike Nichols, starring Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Clive Owen, Julia Roberts
Rated R

From Directors: Zana Briski, Ross Kauffman, starring Kochi, Avijit Halder, Shanti Das, Manik
Rated R

From Wes Anderson, starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, Amara Karan
Rated R

From Wes Anderson, starring Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Anjelica Huston, Cate Blanchett
Rated R

From Peter Weir, starring Mel Gibson, Sigourney Weaver, Linda Hunt, Bembol Roco
Rated PG