Revealing the Untold Story of a Photography Icon

Read Time:4 Minute, 16 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 36m
Director(s): Sam Shahid
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: HIDDEN MASTER: THE LEGACY OF GEORGE PLATT LYNES is a documentary that educates and mesmerizes by exploring an artist whose audacious and beautiful work. This film, directed by Sam Shahid, paints a portrait of George Platt Lynes, a photographer who broke boundaries with his male nudes, blending technical mastery with an unabashed celebration of male beauty and sexuality.

Born in New Jersey in 1907, Lynes' path to photographic fame began in Paris, a hub of artistic brilliance. Immersed in the cultural scene, he rubbed shoulders with notable figures such as Gertrude Stein and Jean Cocteau, who influenced his creative journey. Despite a brief stint at Yale, Lynes found his true calling in New York. His associations with influential personalities along the way further cemented his place in the art world, allowing him to flourish in an environment rich with creative potential.

Lynes achieved significant commercial success by working for leading fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. However, his true legacy lies in his private collection of male nudes. These photographs, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, were not just erotic images but profound celebrations of male beauty. Each picture highlighted the physique, conveying deep admiration and desire through careful composition and lighting.

The documentary cleverly contrasts Lynes' public and private lives, portraying him as a celebrated commercial photographer by day and an audacious artist capturing explicit male nudes by night. Through a blend of archival footage and personal interviews, HIDDEN MASTER illustrates how Lynes navigated societal constraints to live openly as a gay man while keeping his most provocative work hidden from public view, showcasing his resilience and defiance of societal norms.

Shahid’s film traces Lynes' career from the 1920s to the 1950s, highlighting his professional achievements and personal relationships. His close friendship with Dr. Alfred Kinsey played a crucial role in preserving his work, as many of his photographs were donated to the Kinsey Institute. These images, now invaluable pieces of art history, demonstrate Lynes’ daring approach to photography and his relentless pursuit of capturing male beauty.

The documentary does not shy away from the complexities of Lynes’ character. Celebrated for his art, Lynes was also known for his selective eye, often choosing only the most aesthetically pleasing young men as his subjects. This preference, along with his exploration of interracial relationships and explicit sexual themes, positioned him as a provocative figure challenging society. His romantic and platonic relationships, including a notable polyamorous bond, add depth to his intriguing life story, highlighting his unconventional lifestyle and human vulnerabilities.

HIDDEN MASTER also tackles the broader context of Lynes’ work within the art world, addressing the persistent double standards that have historically marginalized male nudes while celebrating female nudes. Various art historians and curators discuss this cultural bias, contributing to the neglect of Lynes' contributions. Shahid’s film seeks to correct this oversight, advocating for a reevaluation and greater recognition of Lynes’ place in art history.

The documentary's final segments reflect on Lynes' legacy and the lasting impact of his work. Although he died young, Lynes left behind a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge contemporary audiences. The film is a testament to his vision and the resilience of his artistic spirit, offering a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of a man ahead of his time in every conceivable way.

HIDDEN MASTER: THE LEGACY OF GEORGE PLATT LYNES is a beautifully crafted documentary that honors the life and work of a pioneering photographer. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of art to transcend societal boundaries and celebrate the beauty of the human form. This film pays tribute to Lynes' significant contributions and calls for a renewed appreciation of his work within the broader context of art history.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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