Bert Stern: Original Madman is a biographical documentary that explores the extraordinary life of the legendary photographer and filmmaker Bert Stern. Born in 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, Bert Stern became a prominent figure in the world of art and fashion in the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for his iconic portraits of Marilyn Monroe, which he took in 1962 for Vogue magazine just weeks before her untimely death.
Directed by Shannah Laumeister Stern, the film gives viewers a glimpse into Bert Stern's fascinating career and personal life. Using a combination of archival footage, interviews with Stern, his family, and colleagues, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of his various photo shoots and film projects, the documentary provides a rich and insightful portrayal of this multifaceted artist.
One of the film's main themes is Stern's pursuit of beauty and his obsession with capturing it on camera. He is shown as a man for whom the very process of photography is an act of love and adoration. He talks about how he would do anything to create the perfect shot, and how he would spend hours obsessing over the smallest details of his work. He is portrayed as an artist who would go to great lengths to get the image he wanted, even if it meant manipulating his subjects, or using unconventional methods to get the desired effect.
Another theme explored in the documentary is Stern's struggle with addiction, and how it impacted his personal and professional life. His wife, Shannah Laumeister Stern, who also directed the film, talks openly about the challenges of living with an addict, and the turmoil it caused in their relationship. The film also features interviews with those who worked with Stern during his career, many of whom share stories about his erratic behavior and the toll that his addiction took on his work.
Despite the darker elements of the documentary, there are also many moments that celebrate Stern's talent and creativity. The film showcases some of his most famous photo shoots, including the famous Marilyn Monroe sessions, and a series of portraits he took of celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, and Brigitte Bardot. Through these images, the viewer gains a sense of how Stern's eye for detail and his willingness to push boundaries helped to shape the world of fashion and photography.
Overall, Bert Stern: Original Madman is a fascinating and well-crafted documentary that offers a compelling look at the life and work of a true artist. Through its exploration of themes such as art, beauty, addiction, and love, the film sheds light on the complex and often contradictory nature of Stern's personality, and leaves the viewer with a greater appreciation of his legacy.
Bert Stern: Original Madman is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 35.
