McCullin

McCullin is a fascinating documentary film from 2012 that takes us on an unforgettable journey into the world of photojournalism like never before. Directed with aplomb by Jacqui Morris and David Morris, it stars the acclaimed British photojournalist Don McCullin, distinguished former newspaper editor Harold Evans, and venerable British broadcaster Michael Parkinson.

Don McCullin, renown worldwide for his brutally honest photographic chronicling of wars and civil conflicts, is the eponymous hero of this film. McCullin speaks candidly about his career spanning over three decades, which saw him covering numerous wars and conflicts around the world including Cyprus, The Congo, Biafra, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lebanon. His stark black and white images are a testament to the worst of humanity’s atrocities whilst also a beacon of courage in the face of calamity. Over the years, McCullin's work has raised awareness of the sufferings endured by many during political unrest and war, earning him a reputation as one of the most significant war photographers of the 20th century.

The character of Harold Evans, former editor of The Sunday Times where McCullin's most dominant work was published, also stands out prominently in the film. Evans provides thoughtful commentary and insight into McCullin's work ethic, commitment, compassion, and bravery in situations that most would find impossible to endure. The cooperation between these two professional pioneers marked an era in which war reporting and photojournalism brought the harsh realities of global conflicts to the breakfast tables of ordinary folks.

Michael Parkinson, the beloved and provocative British broadcaster, adds another dimension to the film as he navigates McCullin's complex personality and emotions. His gentle but effective interviewing style teases out stories and insights from McCullin, providing audiences with a deeper understanding of the man behind the camera.

Viewers get the chance to witness some of McCullin's most compelling and iconic images in the film. Many of these bold and raw photographs still hold tremendous emotional impact, standing as poignant reminders of the horrors of war. The film does an excellent job of not merely displaying these images, but providing context and backstory, often through McCullin’s own words. His unique point of view offers a compelling first-hand perspective that adds depth and texture to each captured frame.

Beyond the war zones, the documentary also explores McCullin's childhood and young life growing up in Finsbury Park, London, a period of his life that was fraught with poverty and domestic violence. This rough start to his life is woven into the narrative, helping viewers understand how it might have influenced his later fascination with the grittier side of human existence.

The film also touches on the moral and ethical dilemmas McCullin faced in his work, including the difficult balance of capturing someone else's misery through a lens. It leaves its audience pondering the quandary of his work’s purpose - whether it was exploitation or exposition. These struggles provide a profound insight into the psyche of the man, making the film a deeply personal exploration of McCullin's character.

McCullin is as much a historical artifact as it is a biography and expose of photojournalism. The scenes cross continents and timelines, taking the viewer on a riveting journey through some of the most tumultuous periods of the late 20th century. For anyone interested in journalism, photography, history, or simply understanding more about the world we live in, the film offers a penetrating look at these subjects through the lens of McCullin.

In totality, McCullin, as a visual and narrative documentary, is bold, penetrating, and impressive. It serves as an intimate portrait of one man's commitment to tell the stories of those who are too often forgotten or unseen, often at great personal cost. This film is an enlightening examination on the importance and impact humanitarian photojournalism holds in contemporary society.