Screen Share | Films that use photography to reflect on love, life and the self
From Juliette Binoche’s ‘A Thousand Times Good Night’ to Clint Eastwood’s ‘The Bridges of Madison County,’ here are some films that used photography as a lens to reveal the inner landscapes of the protagonist
(Originally published in The Hindu on November 08, 2024)
Life has been awfully still since my father passed some weeks ago. As I flip through pictures he had taken of us, and ruminate about our shared love for photography and tangible art, I recall what Ed Harris’ photographer said to his son in 2017’s Kodachrome: “Photography is human nature made tangible.”
The photographer has found several such iconic moments on screen — a reflection that stretches from Mohanlal’s Photographer (2006)to Fahadh Faasil’s Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016) The still camera has lent storytellers several captivating narratives; be it how a photograph becomes indisputable evidence in thrillers like Memento, Rear Window and Blow-Up, or as a cupid that strikes an unlikely match (2019’s Photograph). It can reveal ghosts and premonitions (Sivi or Aa Dekhen Zara), or even tear down political dreams (Scoopor 2011’s Ko).
However, beyond such pulpy titles lie films that have used photography as a lens to reveal the inner landscapes of the protagonist. For instance, the war photographer lead in films like Civil War and A Thousand Times Good Night crumbles under her existential search for meaning in the chaos, or discovers the scars her risky endeavours have left in her life….
This article is a part of The Hindu cinema team’s fortnightly column recommending films and shows tied to a mood, theme, or pop cultural event. Read the full article here: