In praise of English kitsch in “I Am Martin Parr”.
France 5 offers a journey into the unique world of Martin Parr with the documentary I Am Martin Parr, le photographe so British. Directed by Lee Shulman, this film explores the fascinating career of this master of ironic social photography.
With his sharp eye and sometimes wry sense of humor, Martin Parr is one of the most influential photographers of his time. For over fifty years, he has captured British society with an instantly recognizable style, oscillating between satire and tenderness. The documentary I Am Martin Parr, broadcast on France 5 from February 14 to July 27, 2025, looks back at his extraordinary career.
A striking aesthetic of everyday life
Behind the apparent banality of his shots, Martin Parr sublimates the details of ordinary life. Saturated colors, surprising framing and atypical subjects make his work a veritable radiography of popular culture. His raw yet elegant approach has earned him a reputation as an outstanding chronicler of the absurdities of British society.
An atypical career
The film by Lee Shulman, known for his work with The Anonymous Project, reveals a photographer who is both discreet and eccentric. From his first photograph at the age of 14 to his integration into the Magnum Photos agency in 1994, Martin Parr has never ceased to shake up the codes of documentary photography. In particular, his transition from black and white to color marked a major turning point, provoking much controversy at the time.
A sharp look at British society
Through his series of images, Parr captures fleeting moments imbued with irony, whether it’s a clumsy makeup application, a crowded beach scene or a kitschy buffet. His work highlights the contradictions and eccentricities of British culture with an eye that is both affectionate and critical.
A documentary not to be missed
Broadcast on France 5, I Am Martin Parr is a fascinating dive into the world of an artist whose vision continues to inspire and question. A must-see for those passionate about photography and social observation.
On France 5, from February 14 to July 27, 2025.
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