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      The True Meaning of Pictures: Shelby Lee Adams' Appalachia

      Released Sep 7, 2002 1h 10m Documentary List
      Reviews 93% Audience Score 100+ Ratings This documentary explores the body of work of photographer Shelby Lee Adams. Although born into a wealthy family in Appalachia, Adams chooses to capture images of the intense poverty in the region where he grew up. As his work became more widely known, detractors began to question his motives, accusing him of exploiting the unwitting indigents of his Kentucky home. Whatever his motives, Adams' photographs paint a poignant picture of family life in one of the poorest regions of the Unites States. Read More Read Less

      Critics Reviews

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      Dennis Harvey Variety Controversial fine-arts photographer Shelby Lee Adams is given a fascinatingly even-handed cinematic trial. Feb 27, 2003 Full Review Walter Chaw Film Freak Central the film we're invited to handle is elusive and dangerous Rated: 4/4 Feb 18, 2004 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

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      Audience Member I don't believe Shelby Lee Adams intends to exploit the Holler-dwellers in his photographs. I just think he's too close to the material to understand why the photographs are exploitative. Like it or not, Appalachian stereotypes exist and, among other things, they stand in the way of economic development in the poorest parts of our country. When people see Adams' pictures, they are not going to know Adams' relationship with his subjects, their integrity in the face of unending strife, or their compassion and true intellect. They just see the pictures. Having studied photography at a school in Appalachia, it is interesting to see the different ways in which photographers who shoot Appalachia treat their subjects. Aesthetically, Adams is probably the least sensitive to his subjects portrayal. His use of light is garish and creepy in many photographs, and often violence (including sexual violence) is implied. When you make a picture of a little girl standing in front of a screen door, while an older man leers at her in the background, how can you say that all you are doing is paying attention to the light? Is Adams really that blind to how people understand documentary photography? The film itself is very even-handed. I expected a vindication on Adams behalf. But the film doesn't let him off the hook. Nor does it stray from portraying Adams as I'm sure he is--a kind-hearted artist interested in understanding people. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Audience Member Eye-opening to say the least. Very real, true and sincere. I believe that Shelby Lee Adams wasn't trying to exploit the Appalachian people because he grew up there and he actually became friends with the families. The stereotypes for these people are lame and irrelevant because they really seem like the kindest, most open-hearted people. I'd like to buy some of his books, and that old saying 'a picture is worth a thousand words' rings true once again. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member the most tense documentary about photography i think i'll ever see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member A great example of a documentary--one that gets you thinking, pulls no punches, and approaches the subject from all sides. Although fascinating and often times grotesque, the film explores the ethics of Adams' photography of the peoples of Appalachia. It would be interesting to know how much of the proceeds from this art photography goes back to the people being photographed. Free snapshots don't put food on the table. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Shelby Lee Adam's impressive and lush photography captures some of the poorest "rednecks" in the Appalachians. Ugliness and truth are captured. Adams has a deep connection to a lot of the people there but like any documentary, exploitation is called into question. Adams is able to show a humanity in the portraits of people far off from modern society. Sickening and touching at times. Adams' shtick on Appalachian life may be redundant but I am more interested in the proceeds of the photography. You know some pretty upscale and bourgeois people are soaking in the pictures at wine and cheese functions and buying them for a lot of money. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member Sparks good debate on the art of photography vs its documentary value. From the Director of Manufactured Landscapes Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      The True Meaning of Pictures: Shelby Lee Adams' Appalachia

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis This documentary explores the body of work of photographer Shelby Lee Adams. Although born into a wealthy family in Appalachia, Adams chooses to capture images of the intense poverty in the region where he grew up. As his work became more widely known, detractors began to question his motives, accusing him of exploiting the unwitting indigents of his Kentucky home. Whatever his motives, Adams' photographs paint a poignant picture of family life in one of the poorest regions of the Unites States.
      Director
      Jennifer Baichwal
      Production Co
      Mercury Productions
      Genre
      Documentary
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Sep 7, 2002, Wide
      Release Date (DVD)
      Nov 25, 2003
      Runtime
      1h 10m
      Sound Mix
      Surround