Movies About Photography
Sometimes, all you want is to kick back on the couch and relax, and there is no better way of doing this than by watching a movie.
Today we are forgetting all about superhero and alien movies and, instead, looking at movies all about photography.
Whether you’ve got a keen eye for photography, are an aspiring photographer, or just love all things photography, you’re in luck!
As we have created a list of all the best movies about photography. Ranging from action, thrillers, and romances, these movies are sure to satisfy your photography thirst.
Although this is somewhat of a niche genre, there are a few gems that you’re sure to love.
So grab your popcorn and snacks and make sure you’re sitting comfortably while we dive into the list of movies about photography.
City Of God (2002)
Set in the notorious slums of Rio de Janeiro, this part coming-of-age part crime-drama follows the story of two best friends whose paths diverge as one grows up and wishes to become a gangster.
The other aspires to become a photographer and break the mold he was born into.
The story is told through the eyes of Rocket, who is exposed to brutal crime and violence at his doorstep.
The only solstice he finds is through his camera, as he soon comes to realize the only way out is to expose this brutality to the world.
Based on a true story, the movie depicts brutality, violent war, and a young boy’s struggles of freeing himself from the slums.
Rear Window (1954)
This Alfred Hitchcock thriller classic revolves around the story of an immobile photojournalist L.B. ‘Jeff’ Jefferies, who, after breaking his legs in a track-race accident, finds himself confined within the walls of his New York apartment.
With a lack of things to keep him entertained, Jeff begins to look out of his rear window, where he spends his day as a voyeur, spying on his neighbors.
Clad with binoculars, Jeff becomes more and more enthralled in the activity and even brings his girlfriend into the thrill of voyeurism.
Although, their game takes a turn for the worst when they suspect they may have just witnessed a murder.
A must-see classic for anyone who enjoys photography, the movie also asks some important questions about privacy and voyeurism, which seems ever relevant in today’s social media society.
One Hour Photo (2004)
Seymour “Sy” Parrish is a photo-developing technician and has been in the profession for over 20 years.
Sy is a lonely man, having no friends, no family, and no wife – his only companion is a hamster.
As a result, Sy begins an unhealthy interest in the Yorkin family, who he has been developing pictures for over many years.
This obsession escalates with Sy creating fantasies of being their uncle and eventually printing out copies of the Yorkins family photographs for himself.
Although an incident at work leaves Sy jobless, and with more time on his hands, he discovers that the Yorkin family may not be as perfect as he thought them to be.
This paparazzi-style movie portrays the unsettling power of the lens and how anyone can be behind them.
The Bridges Of Madison County (1995)
Different from the other movies mentioned on this list, The Bridges of Madison County features an intense love story under the backdrop of photography.
Set in rural Iowa, an Italian war bride, whose husband and children are away, meets a National Geographic photographer asking for directions.
This sparks their profound four-day love affair, which ultimately changes both their lives.
Francesca Johnson decides to chronicle her affair, which her children grow up to read.
This is a movie about forbidden love, loss, and acceptance, with a beautiful film score and cinematography.
Featuring iconic actors Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, it’s certain to be a movie that any photography enthusiast would appreciate.
Blow-Up (1966)
This 1960s movie was inspired in part by David Bailey and London’s swinging sixties.
The story centers around Thomas, a fashion photographer, who, after noticing a couple being affectionate with one another, takes a picture of them from afar.
It’s not until he blows up the images that he realizes he may have unintentionally photographed a murder.
This leads Thomas on a quest to discover the true notion of the pictures, questioning whether the photographic proof is reality.
Based on a story by Argentine novelist Julio Cortázar, this movie leaves you wondering whether modern technologies can always be trusted.
The Killing Fields (1984)
The Killing Fields is a 1984 biographical drama featuring the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, based on the real-life events of two journalists: Sydney Schanberg and Dith Pran.
In 1973, an American journalist Sydney Scanberg was sent to Cambodia where he met translator and local journalist Dith Pran.
Together they covered the tragedy and horrors of the war over the years, becoming great friends in the meantime.
When American forces pull out, Schanberg is able to get exit visas for Pran’s family, but they both decide to stay.
This is until the Khmer Rouge takes control, and all American journalists are evacuated, except Pran who is a Cambodian local.
Over the course of four years, Schanberg and his colleagues must campaign to get Pran out of the country.
The Killing Fields is a powerful and gripping movie showcasing the bravery and courage of war journalists, a movie that any photography follower would admire.
Final Thoughts
Film-making and photography have a lot more in common than you might think. Quintessentially, film-making is basically just an animated form of photography – moving pictures.
Ultimately, they are both forms of expression and art, in which masterpieces are created.
So it’s no wonder that there are so many breathtaking and bewildering movies about photography.
So whether you are looking for a drama, thriller, or romance, this guide is sure to have something you will love.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you find the next movie about photography that you are interested in watching – so you can finally sit back and relax.
If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy our post on ‘Movies About Depression‘.
