Ron Howard‘s critically acclaimed documentary is now streaming on Netflix. It is already generating Oscar buzz for its brilliant treatment of its subject matter. Avedon is directed by Ron Howard and explores the life and times of Richard Avedon. Avedon was a legendary American photographer known for his work with portraiture and fashion photography.
The film is being praised for the extensive access that it had, allowing it to gather information from the photographer’s personal archives. It also reveals some stills captured by Avedon that were never made public.
The movie has been called the best documentary made by Howard, earning appreciation for its artful use of photographs, hundreds of which are incorporated in the final edit. Given that Avedon was praised for the visual style that defined the visual language of the 20th century, the choice elevates the thrilling ride through the many aspects of his life.
How Richard Avedon transformed fashion photography and portraiture
Richard Avedon was praised for revolutionizing the world of fashion photography and portraiture. His career boasts big names like Harper’s Bazaar and later Vogue, for which he photographed models in an unconventional way. As opposed to static images, Avedon instead captured them laughing, running, and leaping, often outside the studio, in streets, cafés, and circuses.
One of his most recognized pieces was Dovima with Elephants. He is said to have “treated models like personalities,” launching the careers of several well-known names.
When it comes to portraiture, Avedon’s similar approach left a mark on the field. He became famous for placing sitters against plain white backdrops. With no props or context, viewers focused entirely on the face, posture, and expression. His eye for faces, figures, and postures helped him produce portraits of some of the biggest names in the world, including Marilyn Monroe and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
