Educational Media Reviews Online

Many would recognize portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh’s work, even if they don’t know his name. Karsh was responsible for some of the most iconic photographs of figures such as Winston Churchill, Humphrey Bogart, Mother Teresa, John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy, a few in a long line of celebrated subjects. This biographical film captures the highlights of Karsh’s life as well as extensive examples of his work and his artistic intentions, and explores the idea of photographers being historians in that they record history in a way that no other medium allows.

Between dozens of photographs that effectively show his grandiose ability, the film intersperses newsreels, footage of Karsh in the act of photographing, and old interviews with Karsh during the peak of his career. Interested in the monumental, Karsh was able to capture strength and solidity, making him the ideal candidate to photograph people with a public image to maintain. His photograph of Winston Churchill in 1941, featured on the cover of Life Magazine, brought him to international prominence. An anecdote shared by Karsh in the film reveals the secret behind Churchill’s expression, which came to represent the face of England during World War II.

Karsh is History is a high quality portrait of one who perhaps influenced history, albeit indirectly. The film craft is excellent, but short portions of the film are in non-subtitled French, which may frustrate English speaking audiences. It is likely to appeal to anyone interested in photography or 20th century pop culture.