What Remains: The Life and Work of Sally Mann

What Remains: The Life and Work of Sally Mann is an enthralling 2005 documentary that presents an intimate exploration of the life and works of renowned and controversial American photographer Sally Mann. Directed by Steven Cantor, the film offers a deeply personal insight into Mann's artistic process, her philosophical perspectives, and her untraditional lifestyle through a series of interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and intensive studies of her famous photography pieces.

Sally Mann, an esteemed figure in the world of art, stands at the center of this documentary, providing varied and vast looks into her world. The film transports its audience to her secluded home in Virginia and deep into her exclusive creative process. A significant portion of the film is devoted to examining Mann's work and a discussion on her provocative style. This portrayal humanizes Mann, pulling back the curtain on the life of an artist who presents deeply intimate and sometimes disturbing images.

Karen Bailey, a colleague and friend of Sally Mann, also features in this documentary. Her perspective delineates Mann's innovative skill and audacity in subject choice, which has often stoked significant controversy. The inclusion of third-party views, such as Bailey's, offers a rounded portrayal of Mann, both as an artist and individual.

The film also includes Richard Jantz, a forensic anthropologist whom Mann consulted while creating her "Body Farm" series. Jantz provides a unique perspective on the challenges Mann faced in depicting decay and death, subjects usually veiled from public view. His insights build a bridge between art and science, creating a profound layer to Mann's investigation of mortality.

Several principal and recurring themes string together the labyrinth of Mann's creative journey in the film. Some of the evident themes include beauty, death, love, and controversy. Mann's explorations of these themes reveal a captivating spectrum that varies from the ethereal beauty of the American South landscapes to the harsh, raw capture of the process of decay and death.

One of the most praised segments in Mann's portfolio, addressed in the film with sincere focus, is her collection of portraits featuring her own children in their rural Virginia home. As much as these pictures ignited Mann's rise to stardom, they also elicited criticism and public outcry due to the images’ daring portrayal of her children's nudity. The scandal surrounding these art pieces feeds into the film's narrative, presenting a clear picture of the artist’s audacity in her creative ambition and the costs associated with such audacity.

Besides the deep dive into her work, What Remains: The Life and Work of Sally Mann, also provides the viewers an intimate glimpse into Mann’s world beyond her art. Her rural Virginia homestead, her loving family, her charismatic personality, and her resolute philosophical beliefs, are elements that paint a comprehensive portrait of Mann apart from her identity as a photographer. These scenarios facilitate the audience's understanding of the inspirations and influences that feed into Mann’s work.

The cinematography employed in the documentary subtly mirrors Mann’s own photographic style, enhancing the authenticity and reflection of the film. The usage of a vintage Super 8 camera throughout the documentary successfully imitates the haziness and dream-like quality of Mann's photographs. The film cleverly encapsulates the 'timelessness' that Mann's work embodies.

What Remains: The Life and Work of Sally Mann's true triumph is in its portrayal of an iconoclast artist as a real, grounded human being living her life with boldness and authenticity. It prompts reflection on the intersection of art and ethics, public perception versus private intent, and the unfathomable depths of creative passion.

While some may find the film's pace deliberate and the unflattering shots of decay uncomfortable, the beauty of Cantor's storytelling and the power exuding from Mann's determination make this documentary a must-see. It is a definite treat for art enthusiasts, compelling for anyone interested in the complexities and struggles associated with creating art, and captivating for those intrigued by the human condition. It's a film where the audience derives as much pleasure from the journey as from the ultimate revelation.