I came across a Korean film trilogy by Park Chan-wook that is some of the most challenging films I've ever watched. You want to look away, but stay to the bitter end. The themes are revenge and ultimately what level of atrocity will we stomach if it is under the guise of retribution. While my photography has nothing to do with these themes, it is easy to be inspired by them. You can't predict the endings (at least I couldn't) and prove the one truth in life is unpredictability. No cliches or rides into the sunset with the hero and heroine hand in hand for this film maker. While the subject matter is enough to send people to the shrink, it is his bold originality and challenges that are laudable accomplishments. So many movies get made with huge budgets but have little to say beyond the veneer of product placements and generic story lines. What does this have to do with photography? Very little, other than like movie makers most photographers just reproduce the same tired disposable images that may sell up front but really make no difference. Does it matter that I shoot with an Iphone or an 8x10? Or if I spend all day producing a silver halide print or just apply some pre bought actions in Photoshop.
If it doesn't matter then I'm not trying hard enough or following Park's example of not letting the audience dictate your vision, but your vision leading the audience. Just like his movies I don't know how this will end, but I'll stay until the credits role and they usher me out of the theater.
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| Shot with 4x5 Speed Graphic equipped with 172mm Kodak Aero Ektar f2.5 lens. |
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