A few observations: It’s more of an extended interview than a documentary. It’s in French and translated/narrated. There are no subtitles, which I suspect is more of a practical reason, since often his photographs are presented in full view while commentary runs in the background and subtitles would be distracting. There’s a lot of Bach piano music and to my delight Ravel is also represented as well (about three quarters of the way). His passion for the arts is what’s most endearing, specially the part where he visits the museum and talks about Painting, a first love for me as well.

Many criticize this documentary for omitting the biographical details of Cartier-Bresson’s life. True, it doesn’t follow a standard documentary structure. There’s really no narrative to it at all, in fact. You pick up hints of biographical details, but it’s mostly comprised of famous people – an actress, three photographers, a publisher, a playwright, and HCB himself – looking at photographs and talking about them. Sometimes even that “action” subsides. There are long shots where HCB listens to classical music pieces or observes museum paintings, and the camera simply observes his act of observing. In the end, the film sets an emotional/aesthetic mood more than it purveys information. Sort of like a fine art photograph. The film is chock full of photographs – many among the best ever taken, and it is interesting to hear insightful folks comment on particular ones that strike them. Interviewed not long before his death, Cartier-Bresson reveals himself as a warm, jocular, reflective and contented man. True: this movie is not what I expected. Also true: I watched it three times.