Edward S. Curtis and "Coming to Light"

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the parallels that can be drawn between various aspects of the film "Coming to Light" and the work of photographer Edward S. Curtis, the subject of the film. By exploring these parallels, the paper then highlights what is both positive and negative about the film.

From the Paper:

"The 84-minute long film depicts the life of Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952), who took it upon himself to preserve traditional American Indian cultures by means of photographic art. It was during 1900 when he attended a Piegan Sundance, that the photographer was so moved that he made the preservation of the cultures of the various tribes of North American Indians his life's work. As he believed that the Sundance was to be the last the he would see, he was inspired to use photography to preserve what he could of the beauty of the culture. Thus, with around 10,000 recordings, 40,000 photographs and one full length ethnographic film about his subjects, Curtis became the most famous of his time. However, with the Great Depression in the 1930's people's interest in Indian culture wavered and Curtis eventually died in poverty, nearly forgotten. His work did however survive and was rediscovered during the 1970's. It is from this material, and the help of both Native Americans and Curtis's family members, that Anne Makepeace was able to create her remarkable film."

More papers on Edward S. Curtis and "Coming to Light":

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• Research Paper # 1448 : "The Photography of Edward S. Curtis"
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