W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult (1989)
The war in the South Pacific, a country doctor in Colorado, victims of industrial pollution in a Japanese village — all were captured in unforgettable photographs by the legendary W. Eugene Smith. This program showcases over 600 of Smith’s stunning photographs and includes a dramatic recreation in which actor Peter Riegert (Crossing Delancey, Local Hero) portrays the artist using dialogue take from Smith’s diaries and letters. Interwoven through the program are archival footage and interviews with family and friends of this brilliant, complicated man, whose work developed from twin themes of common humanity and social responsibility.
Director: Gene Lasko
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Peter Riegert as W. Eugene Smith |
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John Berger as Self |
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Mimi Bessinger as Voiceover |
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Peter Feliz as Voiceover |
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Jim Hughes as Self |
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Evans “Red” Valens as Self |
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Ben Maddow as Self |
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William Johnson as Self |
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Patrick Smith as Self |
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Stella Wheatley as Self |
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A. D. Coleman as Self |
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Edward K. Thompson as Self |
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Ted Castle as Self |
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Terrell Sneed as Self |
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Maude Callen as Self |
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Norman Cousins as Self |
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Cornell Capa as Self |
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Stefan Lorant as Self |
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John G. Morris as Self |
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Phyliss Smith as Self |
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Aileen Mioko Smith as Self |
| Directing | Gene Lasko | Director |
| Production | Susan Lacy | Executive Producer |
| Crew | Bill Megalos | Cinematography |
| Production | Greg Andorfer | Executive Producer |
| Production | Marthe Smith | Co-Producer |
| Editing | Susan Steinberg | Editor |
| Production | Kirk Morris | Producer |
| Art | Jay Klein | Set Decoration |
| Costume & Make-Up | Laura Blood | Makeup & Hair |
| Writing | Jan Hartman | Writer |
| Production | Rosa Kesser | Associate Producer |
| Art | Daniel Talpers | Property Master |
| Camera | Ben Speth | Key Grip |
| Sound | Felipe Borrero | Sound |
| Lighting | Ned Hallick | Gaffer |
| Art | Debra Shutt | Set Decoration |
| Camera | David Besdesky | Best Boy Grip |
| Art | Stephen McCabe | Production Design |
| Art | Jocelyne Beaudoin | Art Direction |
| Art | Sermin Kardestuncer | Lead Set Dresser |