Friday, October 11, 2013

Bert Stern: Original Mad Man 2011


Bert Stern: Original Madman

     This movie is written and filmed by Bert’s third wife, Shannah Laumeister.  Bert started his career as a mailroom boy for Look Magazine and he got the job because he didn’t want to go to school.  He became close friends with Stanley Kubrick at Look.  Bert got a chance to start photographing to advertise for Smirnoff Vodka.  He became successful in his photography career at the age of 25.  Madison Avenue, Hollywood and the international fashion scene began hiring him for jobs.  He loved beautiful women and was able to photograph Jean Shrimpton, Suzie Parker, Audrey Hepburn, Bridget Bardot, Twiggy, Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe.  Bert married Teddy Air but he didn’t want to be married and they divorced.  Bert was also married to ballet dancer Allegra Kent and they had three children but were also divorced. 
     Bert Stern had a special talent, he said he photographed the space between him and the subject.  He understood triangles and used this as the basis for setting up his photographs.  He also directed and filmed Jazz on a Summer’s Day.  He became very wealthy but began using amphetamines and lost everything.  This is very good and interesting.  He died June 26, 2013 at the age of 83.  He seemed bored, lacking his original spark and drive during this filming.  3 1/2* (I liked this movie)

93 min, Doc directed by Shannah Laumeister with Bert Stern, Albert D’annibale, Dorothy Tristan David Montgomery, George Lois, Carol Halebian, Jerry Delia Femina, Larry Chilnick, George Wein, Judith Crist, Lisa Lavender, Anita O’Day.

Note:  Imdb 6.2 out of 10, 47% critic 69% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

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