War Photographer, about James Nachtwey, was visually striking and not surprisingly full of emotion. The closeness Nachtwey has with his subjects; not just the physical proximity, but also the level of understanding, respect and acceptance exchanged between them grabbed me. At times he was so close, almost too close for comfort. Images of grieving women; right in their faces; their personal space breached and all thoughts of social rules concerning death forgotten. He became part of the inner circle, part of the people who had lost, part of the suffering. Images of the Indonesian family living between railroad tracks- photographed from what seemed almost right on top of them; so close I could imagine the rushing wind of the train, I could feel the anxiety of being hit by a flying object, about the overwhelming sense of being powerless in the world. Nachtwey’s closeness made me really look, made me feel the situation, he allows us to share the experience by getting close to the issue- close to the pain, tears and cries.
It was interesting to see how Nachtwey gained access and acceptance to those he photographed. He described being welcomed and wanted into private, chaotic and dangerous spaces. It’s as if the people knew he was there to help, to help tell their stories to the rest of the world. What sets Nachtwey apart is his empathy and respect for those he is photographing. Never shooting with the intent to just “make a living”, but with the goal of “negotiating peace” through photographs. Watching Nachtwey walk into a new situation, give a silent nod or a handshake, a slow steady stride into the heart of the event or situation and to move smoothly amongst the people- as if he was an old family friend called upon- shows an enormous amount of respect Nachtwey has for the people he photographs. Numerous times the film touched on the basis for his acceptance and closeness to people- respect.
I also thought Nachtwey’s description of his choice to be a war photographer was interesting. He says it is his life’s purpose. That he trained all his life to make that decision. After twenty years Nachtwey has collected a massive amount of images from war conflict areas, famine and poverty- along with numerous personal sacrifices- Nachtwey’s life has be dedicated to humanity. Hundreds of thousands of people have seen and been effected by images he captures from all over the world; emotionally connected through his images. The idea of social reform, change or even having the opportunity to see the world in a very specific- eye opening way is invaluable. The stories we are told by the media and politicians are very different than what is really happening out there. The visual impact and immediacy of the images give audiences the chance to react, to call for change, to make peace, to help, to reach out, to make a difference.
When I think about Nachtwey and his life’s work, I feel compelled to reach out and touch humanity in a meaningful and considerate way like his images do. I want to help somehow, to make work that matters. A film like this gives me mixed feelings. On one hand I have hope for humanity, for people who are suffering and for people like me- sitting on our asses, consuming and demanding and being spoiled. I am grateful- for the opportunity to see and be challenged and to care about something other than my small world and myself. But I am also depressed by the film- to see the abundance and overwhelming amount of violence and cruelty- how can I make a difference? How can I make work that matters? How does anything I do compare to the work that photographers like Nachtwey makes in the big scheme of humanity and compassion?
