In the 1950s, filmmakers in the U.S. and France sought to revolutionize the way audiences experienced the moving image. The conventional cameras at the time were cumbersome, limiting the ability to capture real life in motion. The seed of change was planted with the release of “Moi, un noir” in 1958, a French documentary that utilized a small handheld camera to bring a new level of life to the cinematography. However, this camera had its limitations, including a short recording time and noisy operation that made synced sound recording impossible.
Enter Robert Drew, a writer, and editor for Life Magazine, who was determined to create a camera that would meet the desires of filmmakers everywhere. With a million dollars from Life Magazine, he set out to develop a four-pound prototype that would allow for unprecedented mobility in filmmaking. The first film shot on this revolutionary camera was “Primary,” which documented the presidential primary campaign efforts of Senator John F. Kennedy. In just four days of filming, Drew and his team changed the art of cinematography forever.
The Camera That Changed the World is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation and progress in the field of filmmaking. It showcases the pivotal moment in history when filmmakers were no longer limited by the limitations of technology and were able to truly capture life at the moment. This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of cinema and the technological advancements that have shaped the industry.
