Film Review: I Am Martin Parr 2025 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival

The Scoop I Am Martin Parr 2025 Russell Hobbs British Film Festival

I Am Martin Parr is a vibrant reflection of a fascinating photographer and his love for British culture. Director Lee Shulman artfully gives a new perspective on an elusive photographic master in this fun and thoughtful documentary.

Martin Parr’s photos are instantly recognisable for their bold use of colour and angles as well as their lively subjects. From the busy scenes of Brighton beaches in summer to the satirical pictures of tourists at the world’s most famous sites, Parr’s work has been captivating viewers for decades.

Parr’s British sense of humour is seen in many of his photos. He playfully makes fun of the subject while pointing out the irony and absurdity of a situation. In a voiceover, Parr says, “I don’t think of myself as a humorous photographer. It’s just naturally life is strange, and life is funny.”

If somehow, you’re not already familiar with his unique style, the documentary flashes through his array of work like a highlight reel. It also shows his evolution from black and white photos in the 1970s to his famously bright images.

Martin Parr is a tall, enthusiastic man who effortlessly blends into the colourful world around him. Watching him on the screen as he wanders around Brighton with his camera at the ready is incredibly insightful.

He’s so determined to get the best shot that he has to catch up with his walker as it rolls away from him, not once, but multiple times. He has an amazing ability to translate everyday excitement into impactful still images.

Parr says, “There’s no such thing as a perfect picture. Every day you go out, you hope to get one of them, but most of the time you don’t. But you have to have that belief early in the morning before you go out, that this could be the day when something happens.”

It is through interviews with family, friends and associates that we understand Parr’s devotion to his work and his impact on British society. His wife, Susie Parr, talks about his time in hospital with cancer and how she knew he was feeling better when he started taking photos of the hospital food and staff.

The interviewees also discuss Parr’s impact on redefining British culture. Actor and comedian David Walliams says, “Martin’s photographs are defined by their humour and also their humanity.” Parr illuminates the universality of experiences, both good and embarrassing.

Director Lee Shulman is no stranger to lively and narrative-driven photography. His work in The Anonymous Project sees him collecting Kodachrome slides from people internationally to turn into new stories. In 2021, Shulman and Parr released Déjà View, a book that pairs up some of their similar-looking photographs.

Their friendship brings an authentic lens into Parr’s life that gives a fun familiarity between the film’s subject and the viewer. Shulman’s drive for honesty means that his direction for the documentary mirrors the frankness of Parr’s own work.

I am Martin Parr is not just a portrait of one photographer, but an illustrative look into British society and culture. Traverse Brighton, attend dances and block parties and chat with locals in the neighbourhood café in this relaxed adventure.

The Australian premiere season of I Am Martin Parr commences 5 November 2025 as part of the Russell Hobbs British Film Festival.

Tickets: https://britishfilmfestival.com.au/films/bff25-i-am-martin-parr

Website: https://britishfilmfestival.com.au/

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/britishfilmfest/

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