Watch What Remains

What Remains is a documentary film written and directed by Steven Cantor. It was released in 2005 and follows Sally Mann, a photographer from Virginia, as she embarks on her latest project that explores death, loss, and the passage of time. The movie is an intimate portrait of Mann’s creative process and her artistic vision. It delves deep into the themes that she explores in her work, particularly the themes of mortality and decay. The film offers a glimpse into the life of a talented artist who is deeply invested in her craft, and who uses her work to explore and make sense of the world around her.

Mann is known for her haunting black and white photographs of the American South, which often involve the use of decayed and decomposing subjects. The film explores the origins of her fascination with these subjects and the ways in which her work has evolved over the years. It also looks at her family life and her relationships with her husband and children.

The film is structured around Mann’s latest project, which involves photographing the decomposing bodies of dead animals. Mann is shown at various stages of the project, from the initial idea to the final exhibition. We see her exploring various locations and finding the subjects for her photographs, as well as the backroom processes involved in producing and printing her images.

The film is shot in a way that is both raw and intimate. The camera lingers on Mann’s face and hands, capturing her reactions as she photographs the dead animals. We see the intensity and passion that she brings to her work, as well as the moments of frustration and doubt that arise along the way.

The film also features interviews with Mann’s family and friends, as well as art critics and curators. They provide insights into Mann’s life and work, as well as the broader context in which her photographs exist. There is also footage of Mann at various exhibitions and events, giving us a sense of her place within the art world.

Overall, What Remains is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that offers a window into the mind of a true artist. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever been touched by the beauty and fragility of life, and who is interested in exploring the deeper questions of what it means to be human.

What Remains is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.