Underfire: The Untold Story Of Pfc. Tony Vaccaro

Underfire: The Untold Story Of Pfc. Tony Vaccaro is a 2016 evocative documentary that unravels the inspiring life story and extraordinary career of Tony Vaccaro. Directed by Max Lewkowicz and featuring engaging interviews from renowned personalities such as Lynsey Addario, James Estrin, Mike Forster, and others, the film delves deep into the breadth of Vaccaro’s works and his impactful contribution to photojournalism.

The film introduces Tony Vaccaro, a World War II infantryman and passionate photographer. The stage is set in the backdrop of the War, more specifically, the 1944 Normandy invasion. Young Vaccaro, however, manages to juggle his rifle in one hand and an Argus C-3 camera in the other, all while assuming the role of the unofficial photographer for his battalion. In the teeth of danger and amidst the horrors of war, Vaccaro documents the emotional, raw, and often horrific realities of war, capturing in detail the unforgiving nature of battles, the haunting experiences of soldiers, as well as the destruction and desperation in the civilian landscape.

What sets Vaccaro apart is that he is not a mere observer but directly involved in the combats, adding a unique perspective to his narratives. His countless heart-wrenching images encapsulate both the gruesomeness of war but also oft-overlooked human experiences - the weary smiles of soldiers, the resilience of civilians, and the bleak devastation stamped upon the landscape.

The length and breadth of Vaccaro's work are explored in the film. After his service in the war, Vaccaro did not hang up his camera, but instead went on to have a successful career as a commercial photographer, notably spending 42 years at Look magazine and contributing to Life magazine. His works touched the galaxy of themes and subjects, ranging from celebrities and world leaders to everyday life.

Lewkowicz impeccably processes decades of context into a gripping hour and a half film. He masterfully combines historic photography and engaging narration to construct a vivid chronology of Vaccaro's experiences. The documentary offers multiple layers of insight into Tony Vaccaro as both a man and an artist, using first-hand interviews with Vaccaro himself and others who were influenced and inspired by him. In particular, the discussions with Lynsey Addario, a fellow war photographer, and journalist James Estrin bring to light the broader implications of Vaccaro’s work on the field of photojournalism.

Underfire: The Untold Story Of Pfc. Tony Vaccaro also delves into the ethical dilemmas Vaccaro faced as a combat photographer. It darkly highlights his inner turmoil, where he grapples with his moral duties as a soldier and his commitment to documenting the truth. This indecision, combined with the hazardous reality of war, makes for compelling viewing and leaves a lasting impact.

In exploring this journey, the film pays tribute to not just Vaccaro's talent, but also his bravery, tenacity, and moral fiber. It paints a candid portrait of a man who was compelled to illuminate the harsh truths of war to the broader world in the only way he knew - through the lens of his camera.

With a hauntingly beautiful score and a rhythm in its narrative that carries you through the distinct phases of Vaccaro's life, Underfire: The Untold Story Of Pfc. Tony Vaccaro is more than a documentary. It is a firsthand exploration of war's harsh realities, a tribute to one of the most influential photographers of our time, and a testament to the power of photojournalism. The movie balances its sensitive wartime backdrop and uplifting personal insights harmoniously, providing a viewing experience that both educates and moves the audience.

Whether you are passionate about photography, interested in history, or merely enjoy well-crafted biographies, Underfire: The Untold Story Of Pfc. Tony Vaccaro makes for compelling viewing. It is a striking representation of the power of photography and one man's mission to bring truth to light, regardless of the consequences.