The Man Who Saw the City Change

Read Time:3 Minute, 44 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 51m
Director(s): D.W. Young
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Focusing on UNCROPPED is like peering through a lens into the rich and storied history of New York City, guided by photojournalist James Hamilton's keen eye. This documentary mixes personal anecdotes with sweeping historical insights, offering a captivating visual narrative that charts the city's transformation from a bohemian paradise to a modern metropolis.

D.W. Young’s directorial vision in UNCROPPED takes the viewer through the decades with Hamilton, whose career catapulted from his defiant departure from Pratt Institute into the tumultuous world of photojournalism. His lens has chronicled the seismic shifts within the cultural and physical terrains of New York City, capturing everything from the hidden alleyways to the glaring spotlights on celebrity culture. Living by the definition of faking it until you make it, Hamilton made his dreams come true through his vision.

Hamilton's life in photography is depicted as a career and a personal voyage through changing times. His adventures began with audacious moves like sneaking into rock concerts with a forged press pass, a bold testament to his relentless pursuit of capturing the city’s heartbeat. His work at publications like The Village Voice and The New York Observer showcases a period of creative freedom, depicted against the backdrop of his Manhattan studio apartment—a chaotic yet fascinating microcosm of his mind.

The documentary handles this story more like a mosaic than a linear trip through time, rich with influential encounters and intimate moments. It portrays the New York of yesteryear—a thriving hub for artists and journalists—now grappling with the realities of gentrification and commercialization. Hamilton’s photos serve as a visual dialogue between these two worlds, his camera acting almost as a bridge across time.

The film is peppered with insights from Hamilton’s contemporaries, whose interviews offer a deeper look into the man behind the camera. One section that captured my attention was his story of an interview/photo session with the legend Alfred Hitchcock, where he could see the real man behind the legend.

UNCROPPED also confronts the darker chapters of Hamilton’s career, including his daunting assignments as a war photographer. These segments reveal the stark realities and emotional strains of documenting war and conflict, providing a poignant contrast to his more serene urban landscapes.

The film delves into Hamilton’s meticulous craft, especially his commitment to the authenticity of his visuals, refusing to let his negatives be cropped. This detail is a gateway into broader discussions about the shift from analog to digital photography, reflecting on the philosophical and practical changes in the field.

UNCROPPED stands out as a profound narrative of endurance, creativity, and connection seen through the lens of a man deeply rooted in his city. It celebrates the deep ties Hamilton has forged with his subjects and the enduring impact of his work on capturing the soul of New York through its many phases.

D.W. Young's UNCROPPED is a must-watch for those intrigued by the intersections of photography, history, and urban evolution. It chronicles the remarkable career of an iconic photographer and thoughtfully explores how art can profoundly influence and reflect societal changes.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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