Kirsten Johnson has been a major cinematographer and for “Camera Person” she has assembled clips from her years of work on various films. The result is a fascinating tour of many countries where she has followed her profession, with a vast collection of diverse subjects.
In effect “Camera Person” is a visual scrapbook and personal story of her remarkable career. The scope of her experiences also makes it a story of people and their lives as reflected in her photographs. Seeing this film affords an enjoyable and often moving experience, and it was among the most gratifying presentations in the 2016 New Directors/New Films series.
It is good that “Camera Person” is now getting a commercial release, as anyone interested in photography should enjoy getting a look at Johnson’s expert and visually creative work. More than that, anyone interested in different lives and cultures should find the photographs especially informative and a treasure trove of exploration. A Janus Films release. Reviewed September 5, 2016.