Photographic Memory: Film Review

Veteran documentary filmmaker Ross McElwee (Sherman’s March, Bright Leaves) continues his endless cinematic self-examination with Photographic Memory, a meditation on aging and the vicissitudes of memories, among many other things. Prompted by his troubled relationship with his internet addicted, substance abusing and seemingly directionless twentysomething son, the film will strike a chord with any parent who suddenly realizes that their children are beginning to repeat their own mistakes.

PHOTOS: Fall Movie Preview 2012: Major New Releases From Spielberg, Jackson, Tarantino, the Wachowskis, Burton and More

The young Adrian, already seen in a couple of the director’s previous efforts, has a restless, freewheeling imagination that indulges itself in such activities as filming himself snowboarding while stoned. Frustrated at his son’s apparent lack of discipline, his father decides to make a nostalgic, hopefully illuminating journey into his own past, specifically the French town where he spent much of his twenties. There he is reunited with Maurice, the philosophical wedding photographer for whom he served as apprentice, and Maud, the beautiful young woman with whom he had a passionate relationship.

Related Stories

TV

BAFTA TV Awards: 'This is Going to Hurt,' 'The Responder' Lead Pack of Nominees

TV

Critics' Conversation: 'Succession' Sets Up Its Endgame, Hilarity and Darkness Intact

The resulting journey of self-discovery is not exactly profound in its revelations, but as usual with McElwee’s efforts the proceedings are enlivened by his droll, witty narration, delivered in a sonorous tone. Hearing the 65-year-old filmmaker mournfully ask himself, “Seriously, how did I get to be this old?” is a treat all by itself.

Examining his past via such methods as comparing the vintage photographs he once took with the present-day condition of their subjects, the filmmaker delivers a frequently entertaining and insightful self-portrait that resonates emotionally despite its frequent lapses into minutiae.

Opens Oct. 12 (First Run Features)
Production: St. Quay Films, French Connection Films, Arte France
Director/director of photography: Ross McElwee
Screenwriters/producers: Ross McElwee, Marie-Emmanuelle Hartness 
Editor: Sabrina Zaella-Foresi
Not rated, 87 min.