Watch Unlikely Weapon, An: The Eddie Adams Story

Unlikely Weapon, An: The Eddie Adams Story is a riveting and emotional documentary that chronicles the life and work of the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Eddie Adams. The film, which was released in 2008 and directed by Susan Morgan Cooper, delves into the personal and professional struggles of this iconic figure in photojournalism.

At the heart of the film is a haunting image that Adams captured during the Vietnam War. The photo, which shows a South Vietnamese general executing a Viet Cong prisoner on the streets of Saigon, became an iconic image of the war and a symbol of the atrocities committed by both sides. The film explores the impact of this photograph on Adams, on the public, and on the course of the war itself.

The documentary is structured around Adams' own reflections on his life and work, as well as interviews with his colleagues, friends, and family. We learn about Adams' upbringing in New Jersey, his early work as a staff photographer for the Associated Press, and his rise to prominence as a photographer for LIFE magazine.

We also see the toll that Adams' work took on him, both emotionally and physically. He suffered from depression and PTSD, and struggled with alcoholism for many years. Despite these challenges, he continued to produce powerful and influential photographs throughout his career.

One of the most moving moments in the film comes when Adams reflects on his relationship with his son, August. August was born with cerebral palsy, and Adams devoted much of his later years to caring for him. Adams' tenderness and love for his son is palpable, and it adds a deeply personal dimension to the film.

But the heart of the film is, of course, Adams' photography. The film features many of his most famous photographs, including images of the Vietnam War, the fall of Saigon, the Tiananmen Square protests, and the funeral of Iranian Ayatollah Khomeini. These images are both beautiful and powerful, and they serve as a testament to Adams' skill as a photographer and his dedication to his craft.

The film also features interviews with some of the people who Adams photographed, including Marc Anthony and Peter Arnett. Anthony, a Puerto Rican singer and actor, was the subject of one of Adams' most famous portraits, and he reflects on the experience of being photographed by Adams. Arnett, a Vietnam War correspondent, discusses the impact that Adams' photo of the execution had on the public perception of the war.

Throughout the film, Cooper skillfully weaves together Adams' personal and professional stories, creating a portrait of a complex and fascinating individual. She uses archival footage and photographs to great effect, bringing the events of Adams' life to vivid and immediate life.

Ultimately, An Unlikely Weapon is a tribute to a true artist and a courageous journalist. Adams' impact on the world of photojournalism is immeasurable, and his photographs continue to inspire and influence photographers today. This film is a fitting tribute to his life and work, and a must-see for anyone interested in the history of photojournalism.