Ron Howard’s documentary on Richard Avedon, titled Avedon, claims that the famed photographer captured much of the 20th century, and the film makes a compelling case over its 100-minute runtime.
Richard Avedon's Influence
Renowned as a preeminent photographer during the height of American fashion magazines, Avedon inspired the musical comedy Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. His reputation allowed him to photograph iconic figures such as James Baldwin, Allen Ginsberg, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, the Reagans, and Andy Warhol’s Factory. Beyond portraiture and commercial work, Avedon documented post-War Paris, the American Civil Rights movement, and the Vietnam War.
Cannes Screening and Howard's Documentary Approach
Avedon will receive a special screening in Cannes on May 17. Howard, experienced in biodocs, previously directed films on Luciano Pavarotti and Jim Henson. He states, “We’re all appreciative of their work, but maybe we didn’t recognize quite what it entailed.”
Howard explains that making documentaries involves a different tempo and pace compared to scripted narratives. “It’s just always with you, percolating, for a long stretch of time,” he shares.
Choosing Avedon as a Subject
Sara Bernstein and Justin Wilkes from Imagine approached Howard about the Avedon documentary after hearing the Avedon family was open to it. Howard, who initially respected Avedon’s name and a few images, found immense depth in Avedon’s archives during a coinciding 2023 retrospective in New York.
Howard discovered Avedon’s recordings of sessions, revealing that Avedon captured more than symbols—he drew out subjects' inner selves, informing even his commercial work. Howard was inspired by Avedon’s commitment to social observation and civil rights, despite industry pushback.
Creative Endurance and Personal Reflections
Howard felt emotionally connected to Avedon, admiring his creative endurance. He likens Avedon to Jerry Paris, director of Happy Days, noting their shared acerbic wit and energy.
Discussing Avedon’s work, Howard found it a testament to the 20th century’s arc, relating to Avedon’s tireless exploration of the world through photography.
Legacy and Impact
In Avedon, Howard highlights the enduring value of authorship in imagery, quoting Avedon on the future of photography: “For human beings to feel a kind of depth or connection with an image, it needs to run through the filter of an artist to give it a soul and an intention.”
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ron-howard-documentary-richard-avedon-interview-1236594752/
