Cameraperson

Cameraperson is a captivating 2016 documentary that is equal parts memoir, commentary, and contemplation of the art and ethics of filmmaking. Directed by veteran cinematographer Kirsten Johnson, the film showcases her extensive body of work, spanning over 25 years, in a unique and innovative way. Rather than approaching it in a conventional, chronological format, she instead tweaks the form and creates a narrative through a series of vignettes, fragments, and moments taken from her visual diaries.

Cameraperson transforms the traditional concept of a documentary into something altogether more complex and multifaceted. It does not follow a linear story nor does it present a usual documentary voice-over. Instead, it relies on the power of visual storytelling and world-class cinematography to draw in and move audiences.

The film features Kirsten Johnson’s work as a cameraperson across numerous documentaries, taking us to locations such as Bosnia, Nigeria, and Afghanistan. We also see intimate, personal moments from her family life, notably involving her mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's. The disparate snippets include intense courtroom scenes, serene countryside vistas, bustling urban environments, and heart-wrenching hospital scenarios.

Johnson, who has served as principal cinematographer on over 40 feature-length documentaries, provides a candid insight into the role of a cameraperson. Throughout the film, her portfolio is displayed with the additional layer of her emotions, thoughts, and reactions being reflected in it, revealing the deeply personal connection she has to her work and the people and stories she captures.

The film also features contributing performances by Aisha Bukar and Eric W. Davis, among others, adding more depth and diversity to the depicted scenes. Each clip is presented in its raw form, carefully retaining its original context and ambiance while combining to paint a captivating global picture.

Cameraperson straddles the private and the public, the professional and the personal, with unflinching honesty. It shines a light on some of the most pressing moral and ethical issues behind lens-work, and within the larger scope of documentary filmmaking. It interrogates questions of representation, consent, and the cameraperson's power to shape narratives.

Johnson's work behind the camera often puts her in the midst of warzones, disaster zones, and other areas of conflict. Cameraperson lays bare the weighty responsibility resting on the shoulders of those who document these often traumatic and painful realities, as well as the emotional toll it takes on them. It also raises questions about the fine line between providing visibility to the underrepresented, versus exploiting their vulnerabilities.

But more than probing ethical conflicts, Cameraperson is also a powerful study on the craft of filmmaking itself. The film is a testament to the storytelling capacity of visuals - the power of sights and sounds that, put together, form evocative narratives that leave a lasting impact. Johnson's obvious passion for her work shines through in each moment, making Cameraperson as much a tribute to her career as it is an examination of it.

Binding the movie together is the overarching theme of memory - the idea that every image captured by a cinematographer forms a part of their memory landscape. The movie not only presents these memories but also encourages viewers to reflect on their meaning.

In a nutshell, Cameraperson offers a compelling exploration of the world through the lens of an experienced filmmaker and the moral and ethical consequences of being the person behind the camera. It prompts audiences to question their own perceptions and understandings, stirring thought and dialogue long after the credits roll. An enlightening journey through the lens of Kirsten Johnson, Cameraperson is a must-watch for both documentary lovers and those interested in the power and artistry of cinematography.