A fascinating portrait of the life and work of the iconic American photographer, Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens is set for DVD release on 8 September 2008 courtesy of ICA Films. Directed by Annie’s sister Barbara Leibovitz, the film takes us on a journey of discovery in which a highly talented young art school student becomes the premiere photographer and chronicler of her generation.
Even if you haven’t heard of Annie Leibovitz, you’ll have seen her work. Often theatrical or provocative, her portrait shots retain the same resonance today as when they were first shot.
There’s the naked and heavily pregnant Demi Moore, Yoko Ono being cradled by a naked John Lennon, a shot that became unbelievably surreal having been taken just hours before he was shot by Mark Chapman, Bette Midler on a bed of vibrant red roses through to Whoopi Goldberg emerging from a bath filled with milk.
Almost as famous as the people she photographs, Annie’s own life has been private and protected. With a career spanning more than 30 years, her inspiration as a photographer grew out of her early years travelling with her father, an Air Force pilot, and large family.
Spending hours in cars, planes and trains meant Annie was continually viewing the world via framed windows, providing immense inspiration for her later years.
Starting out as a photo journalist for Rolling Stone magazine in the early 70s, Annie swiftly became chief photographer and a reporter of the hedonistic world that surrounded her.
Falling foul of the rampant drug culture of the era, Annie’s strength of spirit and strong family allowed her to get through this difficult phase, becoming a portrait artist at Vanity Fair.
Annie’s relationship with Susan Sontag is touchingly highlighted in Life Through a Lens, as is her relationship with her children, the first of whom was born when Annie was 51.
Featuring interviews with Graydon Carter, Rosanne Cash, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Yoko Ono and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gloria Steinem and Anna Wintour, Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens is quite simply a must have DVD that can be enjoyed and savoured time and time again.
Barbara Leibovitz began her career in 1987 at the CBC News programme 48 HOURS. She then worked at the Nine Network in Sydney, Australia. Upon her return to the U.S., she began freelance producing with Entertainment Tonight, E! Entertainment television, Consumer Reports Television and VH1.
In close collaboration with her [partner Jaime Hellman, she has written, directed and produced award-winning documentaries for PBS and other networks such as Discovery Channel, National Geographic and CNN, among others.