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 |
| Writing | Jan Hartman | Writer |
| Art | Stephen McCabe | Production Design |
| Crew | Bill Megalos | Cinematography |
| Editing | Susan Steinberg | Editor |
| Production | Marthe Smith | Co-Producer |
| Production | Greg Andorfer | Executive Producer |
| Production | Susan Lacy | Executive Producer |
| Production | Kirk Morris | Producer |
| Production | Rosa Kesser | Associate Producer |
| Art | Jocelyne Beaudoin | Art Direction |
| Art | Debra Shutt | Set Decoration |
| Art | Jay Klein | Set Decoration |
| Art | Daniel Talpers | Property Master |
| Art | Sermin Kardestuncer | Lead Set Dresser |
| Lighting | Ned Hallick | Gaffer |
| Camera | Ben Speth | Key Grip |
| Camera | David Besdesky | Best Boy Grip |
| Costume & Make-Up | Laura Blood | Makeup & Hair |
| Sound | Felipe Borrero | Sound |