Ahead of the release of I Am Martin Parr, we spoke to director Lee Shulman about the iconic photographer, why he wanted to make this film, and the broad appeal of Parr's work.
What initially drew you to Martin Parr’s work and when did you decide you wanted to make a film about him?
I first came across Martin’s work when I was a student. I had never seen anything like it before and was instantly taken by his unique approach to capturing everyday life. We met later on when I had an exhibition in Arles in 2019 and we worked together on a book called Deja View in which we paired our archives. The book went on to become an exhibition which we toured in various countries. So I guess we became friends from that moment and when the opportunity to make a documentary film came about I jumped at the chance to tell the story of someone who has greatly influenced my work.
How did the narrative framing of the road trip come about?
That was the only condition for me to do the film. I knew I didn’t want to make a traditional biopic film. I wanted to get behind the lens and make a more intimate portrait. I knew that a road trip to revisit the locations he made famous in his work would be key to telling this story. Martin didn’t just visit these places, he lived there. I remember telling Martin about my idea and he said yes immediately! That’s Martin. Martin’s life has been one long road trip in some respects. He doesn’t stay still for very long.
How did Martin take to being in front of the lens, rather than behind it?
Martin has been interviewed so many times over his career so I guess he is used to it and the fact we know each other made it easier. But don’t get me wrong, he doesn’t hang around so you have to be on your toes to capture good moments. What’s great is that when he is out photographing it’s like nothing else exists so he was oblivious to my camera. That helps.
What do you think it is about Martin’s photography that has such a universal appeal?
People like different things about Martin’s images but I guess they are as entertaining as they are social. They show life as we know it and not how we want it to be. It’s brutally honest and that makes for a great combination. It’s that mix of comedy and tragedy that he balances so well.
I Am Martin Parr shows at Bertha DocHouse from Friday 21 February. Book tickets.
