Watch Peter Lindbergh - The Eye

Peter Lindbergh - The Eye is a documentary film about the life and work of the late German photographer Peter Lindbergh. Released in 2016, the film takes us on a journey through Lindbergh's career, from his early days as an advertising photographer to his later work as a fashion photographer. Lindbergh was one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, and his images helped to redefine fashion photography. He was known for his minimalist and naturalistic style, which emphasized the beauty and individuality of his subjects. Lindbergh's work appeared in countless magazines and advertisements, and he worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, including Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Kate Moss.

The film is divided into six chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of Lindbergh's work. The first chapter, titled "Mood," looks at Lindbergh's early years as a photographer and his early influences. We learn that Lindbergh was born in 1944 in the German city of Duisburg and grew up in post-war Germany. He studied painting and art history before switching to photography, and his early work showed a strong influence from the German Expressionists.

The second chapter, titled "Women," looks at Lindbergh's unique approach to photographing women. Lindbergh was known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, and he often encouraged them to be themselves and to show their natural beauty. The film includes interviews with some of the models who worked with Lindbergh, including Helena Christensen and Amber Valletta, who talk about their experiences on his photo shoots.

The third chapter, "Style," explores Lindbergh's impact on the world of fashion photography. Lindbergh was one of the first photographers to bring a documentary-style approach to fashion photography, and he helped to move the genre away from the overly stylized and airbrushed images of the 1980s. Lindbergh's work was distinguished by its simplicity, its emphasis on the individual, and its ability to capture a sense of movement and energy.

The fourth chapter, "Icons," looks at some of the most famous images from Lindbergh's career. These include the famous "Wild at Heart" campaign for Calvin Klein, which featured a young Kate Moss, and the iconic black-and-white portrait of Cindy Crawford, which was published on the cover of Vogue in 1994. The film also includes a moving tribute to Lindbergh's friend and collaborator, the late musician David Bowie.

The fifth chapter, "Film," explores Lindbergh's work in the world of cinema. Lindbergh directed several films during his career, including the award-winning documentary Models - The Film, which followed the lives of six aspiring models. The film includes behind-the-scenes footage from some of these projects, as well as interviews with Lindbergh's collaborators and friends.

The final chapter, "Legacy," looks at Lindbergh's influence on the world of photography and beyond. Lindbergh's unique approach to photography has had a profound impact on the fashion industry, and his images continue to inspire photographers and artists around the world. The film also includes a moving tribute to Lindbergh, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 74.

Overall, Peter Lindbergh - The Eye is a fascinating and insightful look at the life and work of one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century. The film is beautifully shot and edited, and it provides a compelling portrait of a man who revolutionized the world of fashion photography. Whether you are a fashion enthusiast or simply a lover of great photography, this film is not to be missed.