Movie: Eloquent Nude: Edward Weston and Charis Wilson

[jp80874]

If you are in the Cleveland, Ohio area,

Movie: Eloquent Nude:
The Love and Legacy of Edward Weston and Charis Wilson

Friday, February 29, 7:00.
Sunday, March 2, 1:30.

Cleveland Museum of Art Lecture Hall

Directed by Ian McCluskey. Charis Wilson is one of the most famous nudes in the history of photography, having been the muse, model, lover, and wife of Edward Weston for many years. Now age 90, Wilson recounts the years that the two of them transformed photography—and each other—in this new documentary that also includes rare archival footage, dramatic reenactments, and interviews with scholars. Cleveland premiere. (USA, 2007, color/b&w, Beta SP, 60 min.)
www.eloquentnude.org

John Powers

 

[Jim Noel]

This is really an excellent film.

 

[Ed Sukach]

Fascinating!!!

A MARVELOUSY well done preview ... well worth viewing in itself!

I've GOT to spring for a copy.

 

[BWKate]

I just spent the last hour looking at the web site. Wow, I have to get a copy of that film. It looks very interesting and the reenactments very authenticate.

 

[doughowk]

Showed the movie at a photography group meeting, and it was well received (amazing how many good photographers were not very knowledgeable about Ed Weston). Loaned movie to photographer/friend; and now, 2 months later, hoping to get it back so can watch it again. The movie does provide some insights into Ed's methods & viewpoint. Well worth watching.

 

[RobertP]

I showed it at my last Platinum Nude Workshop as part of the entertainment at the "end of the workshop dinner". I'm not sure what the models and photographers enjoyed more, the food, wine, single malts, or the movie. But it made for a very nice evening. Robert

 

[Ian Leake]

This is one of the best documentaries I've seen in recent years - very interesting and deeply moving too. If you haven't already bought a copy then you must buy it today!

 

[Andrew A.]

Where would one be able to find a copy of this film...sounds interesting!...a

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Where would one be able to find a copy of this film...sounds interesting!...a

Andrew, go to the link in the first post and you can order it from the site. You have to e-mail them first. $25.00 plus $5.00 shipping.


Jim

 

[Merg Ross]

As I noted in June, 2007 at the showing in San Francisco, this documentary was very well done. Having known Edward, and with Charis at the event, it was a wonderful evening. I give the film high marks.

http://mergross.com/

 

[Curt]

I would rather spend an hour with Merg Ross, listening, that would be as closer to the moment than the outstanding DVD movie. I saw one of his photo's printed in a magazine and although I don't collect any photographs from other photographers, would love to have one of his.

Curt

 

[Philippe-Georges]

Marvellous!
Ar the journals of Charis Wilson edited and where can I find them in Europe?

 

[jp80874]

Marvellous!
Ar the journals of Charis Wilson edited and where can I find them in Europe?

Charis wrote a book with the help of author Wendy Madar, of her experience with Edward Weston. The book was published in 1998 so you would have to search eBay and used book sources.

You would be looking for:
"Through Another Lens, My Years with Edward Weston", Charis Wilson and Wendy Madar, North Point Press, New York, 1998

John Powers

 

[Merg Ross]

Curt, thanks, very kind of you.

John's comment re Charis's book brings back another evening in San Francisco when the book was first published. He has noted the year. There was a gathering, with an overflow audience, where some of those central to Edward and Charis's life were invited to participate on stage. By memory, there were Charis, and Cole, Rondal Partridge, Dody Thompson and Seema Weatherwax. Fortunately, Dody had reserved me a seat. I say fortunate, because Charis's daughter was turned away at the door, but was ultimately granted a seat. That might have been an embarassing situation! My old friend Ira Latour was also in attendance. For those not familiar with these individuals, do a google search and you will find their role in the history of photography. I believe that this was the last time that I saw Cole, and we joked about his being the last of the brothers.

Anyway, sorry for being of topic, but by all means have a look at the film. I was apprehensive at the outset, the idea of using actors, but was very impressed with the result. Charis had a great deal to say, and the director listened. Good job, Ian. Thanks.

 

[skillian]

I'm with Curt. Merg's not only a witness to photographic history, he's a fine photographer in is own right. I have one of his prints - an outstanding portrait of Brett Weston. Merg's work deserves more attention. If you get the chance to see it, don't pass it up.

 

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Scott and Curt. I agree with you 100%. I would love to meet and spend time with Merg and learn from this great photographer. I have his site bookmarked and marvel at quality of his images. One day I hope to be as good. I think a lot of us here would love to hear the stories and history of such an important time in photographic history.


Jim

 

[doughowk]

Merg, I too really enjoy your comments. You became a photographer when so many of my heroes were working either at their peak or still guiding your generation. I'd suggest taking all your comments here, LF Forum and wherever else, adding a narrative, and publishing either as an article or even book. I know I'd sure enjoy it.

 

[Merg Ross]

Curt, Scott, Jim and Doug, I am very appreciative of your kind comments. Thank you.

Scott, glad to hear that you are enjoying my portrait of Brett. I was out photographing yesterday with a camera that he gave me many years ago (Rollei-66). He is never far from my thoughts.

All best,
Merg

 

[Curt]

Curt, Scott, Jim and Doug, I am very appreciative of your kind comments. Thank you.

Scott, glad to hear that you are enjoying my portrait of Brett. I was out photographing yesterday with a camera that he gave me many years ago (Rollei-66). He is never far from my thoughts.

All best,
Merg

Merg, you're more than welcome, it's a respect for the history and the people who made it happen and you are a part of that great history. Have a great time photographing with the Rollei.

Curt