en

Robert Frank | Leaving Home, Coming Home

  • United Kingdom
  • 2004
  • en
  • [cc]
  • 85'

More than just America, Robert Frank is a life of experimentation, of travel, of sensitivity. American by adoption, he returns to his roots in Europe, his apprenticeship and his first photos. Guided by intuition, he gravitates towards the cinema in the early 1960s, won over by the Beat Generation and its poetry. He revisits his career highlights while strolling through New York, Coney Island, places that shaped his work. He also invites us to his studio where he works "on life” with June Leaf, his wife. His photos and his films show how much his life and his work draw upon the same material.

Robert Frank | Leaving Home, Coming Home
Watch the trailer

Synopsis

More than just America, Robert Frank is a life of experimentation, of travel, of sensitivity. American by adoption, he returns to his roots in Europe, his apprenticeship and his first photos. Guided by intuition, he gravitates towards the cinema in the early 1960s, won over by the Beat Generation and its poetry. He revisits his career highlights while strolling through New York, Coney Island, places that shaped his work. He also invites us to his studio where he works "on life” with June Leaf, his wife. His photos and his films show how much his life and his work draw upon the same material.

What you will learn in this film…

Robert Frank's New York • His iconic photos • Excerpts from his films • His life • His philosophy • His studio on Bleecker Street • His apprenticeship to a retoucher in Zurich • The flight to the USA in the 1930s • His beginnings at Harper’s Bazaar • A stroll in Coney Island 50 years after his photographs • Paris seen by Robert Frank • His archives • His take on London • His solo trip through the United States that was behind The Americans • His complicity with sculptor June Leaf, his wife • The influence of the Beat Generation in his filmography • His haven of peace in Nova Scotia • The importance of work in the lab to editing • His tour with the Rolling Stones • Robert Frank's roots

Keywords

Black & White Street photography Photographic instinct Social photography The artist inspiration
Intuition is a very important part of my brain, a sort of speak off. I have never really had concepts. It was always following intuition before I really thought.

Film chapters

summary00:00 Starting out, Switzerland

summary07:52 Europe

summary16:09 Becoming American

summary23:19 With June, working on life

summary39:59 The Beat Generation and the films

summary51:00 Pablo and Andrea

summary01:14:51 The tour with the Rolling Stones

Dive behind the scenes of photography.
Enjoy unlimited access to our content, risk-free and with no strings attached!

Dive Behind the Scenes of Photography!

Remember the first time you held a camera, that thrill of capturing a one-of-a-kind moment... Relive that magic, dive into the wonders of photography, uncover its secrets, and fuel your inspiration with an exceptional collection of documentary films and original creations, complemented by exclusive articles, interviews, and a wealth of resources that invite you to observe the world from a fresh perspective.

By Photography Enthusiasts, For Photography Enthusiasts

The Darkroom Rumour is a groundbreaking video library aimed at inspiring and nurturing the photographic realm. It was conceived by enthusiasts who wanted to fill the glaring lack of films and documentaries about photography on our TV screens and streaming platforms. Each film is handpicked and thoughtfully introduced, saving you hours of searching. We add one to two new films to our collection every month.

Fuel Your Photographic Journey

Imagine where your passion could take you tomorrow. Draw inspiration from the journeys and insights of top photographers and craftsmen. Advance your photography practice, deepen your personal research, and even boost your confidence... The Darkroom Rumour offers a unique space, welcoming all forms of photography, without bias to style or genre. It's a haven for discovery, reflection, and entertainment. Pressure-free, judgment-free, at your own pace.

Anywhere, Anytime, No Strings Attached

Experience total freedom. Whether you're at home, on the move, or on vacation, The Darkroom Rumour is available for streaming worldwide, always at your fingertips, hassle-free. Choose the access type that suits you best and explore all that The Darkroom Rumour has to offer with our 7-day free trial. No risks, no commitments. Dive in and experience pure inspiration!

Anywhere, Anytime, No Strings Attached
Start your free trial

Linked Articles

The authors/artists

Robert Frank
Photographer
June Leaf
Sculpter
Gerald Fox
Filmmaker

Further exploration

Bibliography

Selective filmography

Resources

Instagram

• THE AMERICANS - artist: Robert Frank ; introduction: Jack Kerouac ; 1959 ; Grove Press

• THE LINES OF MY HAND - artist: Robert Frank ; 1972 ; Lustrum Press

• MOVING OUT - artist: Robert Frank ; 1995 ; Scalo 

• LONDON / WALES - artist: Robert Frank ; author: Philip Brookman ; 2007 ; Steidl Verlag 

• PARIS - artist: Robert Frank ; 2008 ; Steidl Verlag 

• PERU - artist: Robert Frank ; 2008 ; Steidl Verlag 

• VALENCIA - artist: Robert Frank ; 2012 ; Steidl Verlag 

• IN AMERICA - artist: Robert Frank ; 2014 ; Steidl Verlag 

• HOLD STILL - KEEP GOING - artist: Robert Frank ; author: Christophe Ribbat ; 2016 ; Steidl Verlag 

• ROBERT FRANK: GOOD DAYS QUIET - 2019 ; Steidl

• PULL MY DAISY (1959)

• ME & MY BROTHER (1965-1968)

• CONVERSATIONS IN VERMONT (1969)

• COCKSUCKER BLUES (1972)

• LIFE DANCES ON (1980)

• HOME IMPROVEMENTS (1985)

• TRUE STORY (2004)

• TUNNEL (2005)

Robert Frank Dies; Pivotal Documentary Photographer Was 94 - The New York Times Article

Interview: New Doc Puts Robert Frank in Frame - Hollywood Soapbox Article

How Robert Frank’s Photographs Helped Define America - The New Yorker Article

Possibly, Everything: An Interview with Robert Frank - Border Crossings Article

Robert Frank - Howard Greenberg Gallery Page