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On this page: I AM MARTIN PARR

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL | Last update 21.Feb.25

I Am Martin Parr
Review by Rich Cline | 4/5

dir-scr Lee Shulman
prd Emmanuelle Lepers
with Martin Parr, Susie Parr, Greyson Perry, David Walliams, Bruce Gilden, Harry Gruyaert, Mimi Mollica, Kavi Pujara, Mark Bedford, Charlotte King, Clementine de la Ferronniere, Francois Hebel
release UK 21.Feb.25
24/France 1h08

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Showcasing his unusual ability to reveal society without cynicism, this film explores the work of British documentary photographer Martin Parr. Filmmaker Lee Shulman takes a relaxed, almost jazzy pace, coaxing Parr to speak openly about his approach, while interviews with family, friends and colleagues add knowing perspective. Best of all, hundreds of these glorious photos are displayed on screen, and they say even more than the audio track does.

Capturing "the choreography of life in a single moment", Parr indelibly photographs the British public in their native habitat, most notably exploring how they spend leisure time. An unassuming man, Parr hangs around waiting for things to appear. His distinctive skill is instantly apparent in his pictures, from his observant black and white work to his witty, lurid colour prints. Even though he has run into opposition over the years regarding his unconventional style, he continues to use his distinctive eye. And many of his images are ahead of their time, including his food closeups.

The camera follows the mischievous Parr around his hometown in Yorkshire and to the seaside, snapping pics while reminiscing about his experiences. He speaks about learning photography from his grandfather and enjoying the magic of seeing an image develop, knowing without doubt by age 13 that he would be a photographer. He compares his obsessive approach to work to his father's love of birdwatching. Clips from a 1998 documentary offer a nice bit of time travel along the way. And his photographs taken around the world capture scenes from strikingly new angles. Indeed, Parr's inimitable approach reveals the world exactly as it is.

Parr says the most difficult thing about photography is capturing the sense of excitement of real life on film. Intriguingly, his photography centres around the working class, chronicling the ways society has shifted from the 1970s to the present. So his older images reveal a powerful political commentary, documenting changes in the world from hyper-globalisation and consumerism to the proliferation of plastic. But he insists, "I show Britain as I find it, neither good nor bad." It's clear that he finds life both strange, funny and rather wonderful. And he reminds us to look at everyday reality without editing it.

themes, language 20.Feb.25

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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL