War Photographer

"What kind of a person could do that?" is a question that often occurs to me when I see a photograph from a battle zone, or one which depicts ordinary people in excruciating distress. This film shows us a person who takes such photographs, one who crosses physical and emotional boundaries to places most of us wouldn't dare to approach even at a great distance.

The photographer, James Nachtwey, is a cool, philosophical individual, motivated by the goodness he feels motivates humanity--in spite of the horrors he deals with on the killing fields. We have all come across the trashy photos that adorn the covers of National Enquirer, pictures that titillate and appeal to our worst natures--Nachtwey's hard-earned photos do just the opposite--they appeal to our compassion, are meant to give us insight into the human condition, the humanity we all share--and in doing so elevate all of us, enrich humanity.

War Photographer is often a frankly brutal film, but it's overall impact is significantly uplifting. One greatly admires James Nachtway for his goals and is astonished by his photography.

I watched this film and was riveted throughout. The image quality is very high. Watching James Nachtwey work in silence with total dedication and focus while flames crackle in the background... this film is a masterpiece of understated intensity. Everybody has seen this photographers images - they just may not realize who the author of those images are. Watch this film to find out why one (and many other) individual takes the risks and endures the hardships to freeze-frame and expose the uglier sides of human nature.

One of the most profound aspect i found in this documentary, is the use of sound. I think it's one of the best, if not most calculated sound editing ever done, since the film supposed to focus on images. It's quite easy to overlook that, and will be forgiven even. But rather, the production teams managed to reflect the personality of James Nachtwey in result. A distant man, watching from a far, though awfully trying to get as near as possible, ... to get involved.

Personally i think, a lot, not all mind you, people misunderstood him. The reviews here reflect that. They might think that he have some personal agendas. Since i believe no people can escape side effects of wars, unless they're the ones who inflict them, i believe James have been greatly changed by his experience, in better or worse terms i have no idea, but he cannot run from it. He has to come back, to experience it all over again, to feel alive. It's vampirism all right, but not from the material, or the moral angle. He simply needs that sense of purpose, to live, and to fulfill his life, with higher aims to reach. I imagined he lost that sense a lot of times, and that must be painful.

For whatever reason he seems to have , it all comes down to this basic human need, to find their purpose, takes the journey and try to fulfill it. This is a reminder of that, for all of us. And for that, i am grateful for this film.

This film manages to show us an extraordinary slice of life, and make a significant comment on western society at the same time. The directer

remains distant-letting Nachtway and others make the point. Ingenious use of multiple cameras as well as Nachtway's "still" black and white photos make this compelling to watch as well.

Regardless of location or assignment this should be a primer for all working journalists as well as all journalism students.

A successfully constructed biography of James Nachtwey who devoted his life to photography. When I researched James' life and first watched his biography, he has a personality that quickly eliminated the doubts I had, especially about war photography. I think it's important for viewers to have positive thoughts about him, as he is open minded and doesn't shy away from questioning himself on many issues and even criticizes the moral dimensions of different people who do what he does.

Although it's difficult to watch all the evil that war brings, we should congratulate the viewers who try to remain calm. The documentary also invites the audience to question humanity, good and evil at length. Watching the story of James, an important journalist who hopes that good and morality will one day prevail over evil, will add very positive things to you. In addition, the community of people who call themselves photographers and journalists but don't see this as anything other than making a profit from their job should also watch it.