As part of Sag Harbor Cinema’s long tradition of spotlighting local artists and the creative ties between film and other visual arts, the cinema will present an exhibition featuring the work of photographer — and East Hampton resident — James Hamilton.
Hamilton is the subject of an upcoming documentary, “Uncropped” by D.W. Young, about his impressive 50-plus years photographing the New York arts scene. From March 29 to 31, Sag Harbor Cinema will devote a special tribute to the photographer, hosting a sneak preview of the film ahead of its national release April 26, with Hamilton and the film’s director D.W. Young in attendance.
“James Hamilton’s photographs for The Village Voice had a tremendous impact on my early years in New York,” says the cinema’s founding artistic director Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan. “They spoke so vehemently of the city and its artists. I was thrilled to learn about D.W. Young’s great documentary ‘Uncropped.’ And even more thrilled, once I saw the film, to discover what an ardent cinephile Hamilton is. This will be a very special weekend.”
As a staff photographer for Harper’s Bazaar (1971-1975), The Village Voice (1974-1993) and the New York Observer (1993-2009), Hamilton has documented in depth the New York art, film and music scene and is responsible for some of its most iconic portraits from the 1970s through the 1990s.
“One of the highlights of working on ‘Uncropped’ with James was the seemingly endless process of discovery,” says Young. “Every day brought astonishing new photographs and fresh delight in them. It was also a tremendous educational process — about photography and lighting and composition, but also about history, particularly New York City history.
“And like other directors before me, I learned how much fun it is to talk movies with James, which we did all the time,” he added. “And I can’t think of a better way of making a film than that.”
The exhibit featuring images from Hamilton’s extensive work with filmmakers and on film sets will be on view on the cinema’s third floor. From George Romero’s “Dawn of the Dead” and “Knightriders,” to Wes Anderson’s (executive producer of “Uncropped”) “The Royal Tenenbaums,” to John Carpenter’s “Escape From New York,” the show will include Hamilton’s set photos as well as some of his renowned portraits of celebrated filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock and Francois Truffaut.
“The stunning Sag Harbor Cinema is honoring me and my photography by presenting director D.W. Young and producer Judith Mizrachy’s film ‘Uncropped,’” says Hamilton. “In addition, they are allowing me to fill their third floor gallery with a collection of my portraits, and my photos made on film sets, called ‘On Film.’ It will only be the second time I have had pictures in a gallery and I so love that they will be presented in this very special place. And they asked if I wanted them to show a favorite film the same weekend. I chose ‘Rear Window.’”
The special program features a “carte blanche” of three films (in addition to “Uncropped”) that will screen throughout the weekend, selected by Hamilton, who will be present to discuss the profound influence that cinema has had on his art. The films include “Rear Window” (Alfred Hitchcock, 1954), who has inspired Hamilton’s career as a photographer, as well as “The Royal Tennenbaums” (Wes Anderson, 2001) and “Knightriders” (George Romero, 1981).
In addition to set photos, props that Hamilton created for “Tenenbaums” will be on display as well as Hamilton’s vintage cameras. The exhibit at Sag Harbor Cinema will only be the photographer’s second gallery show ever, and another opportunity for the cinema to reflect the dialogue between film and other artistic disciplines through the lens of a local, regional artist.
Tickets for the screening and events are available at sagharborcinema.org. Sag Harbor Cinema is at 90 Main Street, Sag Harbor.
Staff Writer on Mar 18, 2024