10 Must-Watch Biopics on Photography

Description: While not a traditional biopic, this film by Michelangelo Antonioni captures the essence of the Swinging Sixties London through the eyes of a fashion photographer, exploring themes of reality and perception.

Fact: The film was inspired by the short story "Las babas del diablo" by Julio Cortázar. It was also the first English-language film by Antonioni, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director.

Description: This film offers a stylized and somewhat fictionalized account of the life of Diane Arbus, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, focusing on her relationship with a mysterious neighbor who inspires her unique vision.

Fact: Nicole Kidman, who plays Arbus, spent time with Arbus' daughters to better understand her character. The film's title refers to Arbus' fascination with fur and its symbolic representation of her inner world.

Description: While primarily a documentary about musician Daniel Johnston, it includes his photography and art, providing a unique perspective on his creative process.

Fact: Johnston's artwork, including his photography, often reflected his struggles with mental illness, making his work deeply personal and raw.

Description: This documentary explores the life of Vivian Maier, a nanny whose vast collection of street photography was discovered posthumously, revealing her as one of the most intriguing photographers of the 20th century.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Maier's work was only discovered after her death, making her story one of the most surprising in photography history.

Description: Directed by Wim Wenders and Juliano Ribeiro Salgado, this film documents the life and work of Sebastião Salgado, focusing on his stunning black-and-white photographs of humanity and nature.

Fact: The film won the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: This documentary provides an in-depth look at the life and work of Man Ray, a pioneer of the Dada and Surrealist movements, known for his experimental photography and art.

Fact: Man Ray was also known for his work in film, creating avant-garde short films like "Le Retour à la Raison" (1923).

Description: This documentary follows James Nachtwey, one of the world's most renowned war photographers, as he captures the harsh realities of conflict zones around the world.

Fact: Nachtwey has been wounded numerous times while covering conflicts, yet he continues to document the human condition in war zones.

Description: This film tells the story of Eadweard Muybridge, the father of motion picture photography, and the dramatic events that unfolded in his personal life, including a notorious murder.

Fact: The film was based on a true story, and Muybridge's work laid the groundwork for the development of motion pictures.

Description: This documentary follows the career of Annie Leibovitz, one of the most celebrated portrait photographers, offering insights into her creative process and personal life.

Fact: Leibovitz was the last person to professionally photograph John Lennon, capturing the iconic image of him with Yoko Ono just hours before his murder.

Description: This documentary explores the life and work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, the father of modern photojournalism, known for his concept of "the decisive moment."

Fact: Cartier-Bresson was also an accomplished painter and drawer, and his work in photography was deeply influenced by his background in fine arts.