"this slight but intriguing look at the work of the titular subject emphasizes the humour, brightness and satire of his work"

Documentary films about photographers tend to focus on a subject matter that is steeped in darkness, such as Paul Sng’s recent excellent Tish or the remarkable 2012 McCullin which focuses on famed war photographer Don McCullin.

Whilst there are aspects of poverty hinted at in the work of Martin Parr, this slight but intriguing look at the work of the titular subject emphasizes the humour, brightness and satire of his work, a photographer whose lack of sensationalism is actually what makes him unique.

Parr’s focus was Britain from the 1970’s through to present day, with much of the modern day filming here within taking place during a street party to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

The subjects of his photography were primarily of people – to the point where famous landmarks are mere backdrops to the primary focus of the picture – with an intimate focus that brings to the fore much of the satire and humour of his work.

Parr himself cuts a modest and unassuming figure which undoubtedly played a part in his ability to obtain such intimate portraits, from people on the beach to abandoned cars being reclaimed by nature via extreme close-ups of food taken long before Instagram made the practice popular.

The social commentary is subtle and oddly refreshing, and whilst the film may not have much more to say about Parr’s work than the pictures themselves, this is a fitting tribute to an original talent and a great introduction for those to whom Parr may be a relative unknown.