Julie Baughman, Movie Review

World famous war photojournalist James “Jim” Nachtwey is profiled in the movie entitled, “War Photographer.” This movie is an inspiring documentary that depicts the situations and strategies that Nachtwey has been though and used throughout his career.

            Throughout the entire movie there are certain clips that were shot from a small video camera that was mounted atop his personal camera. This technique was very effective in showing Nachtwey’s point of view as he was shooting. This also allows the audience to see when he presses his finger down on the shutter, therefore showing the exact moment when he takes his pictures. By showing his point of view it provides the audience some insight into what he may think is a worthy photograph as well as depicting some of the terrible and terrifying things that he has seen through the lens of his camera during his career as a war photographer. If the producers of this movie had not used this point of view method, the drama of Nachtwey’s career would not have been as effectively personified.

             The use of anecdotes by his colleagues and friends as well as by Nachtwey himself also provides the audience with a more personal insight into Nachtwey’s mind. Throughout the entire movie he is being depicted as a very stern, solemn, and almost frightening man, but the personal accounts of people’s interactions with him as well as his own stories provide a more humane aspect to his personality that one wouldn’t be able to perceive on their own. Throughout  the footage of Nachtwey shooting in various parts of the world, he remains unemotional and appears almost inhuman, however, he discusses how, “it’s very important to stay centered inside yourself,” and how, “for me to go to these places and cave in would be useless,” which give him a slightly more emotional and compassionate appearance. Without these personal interviews, Nachtwey would appear a scary and unemotional man.

            The use of a point of view video camera atop Nachtwey’s personal camera as well as interviews with friends, colleagues, and Nachtwey himself are what make this movie truly informative, moving, and inspiring.