W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult (1989): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1989, W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult is a documentary film directed by Gene Lasko, running about 89 minutes.

What it’s about. The war in the South Pacific, a country doctor in Colorado, victims of industrial pollution in a Japanese village — all were captured in unforgettable photographs by the legendary W. Eugene Smith. This program showcases over 600 of Smith’s stunning photographs and includes a dramatic recreation in which actor Peter Riegert (Crossing Delancey, Local Hero) portrays the artist using dialogue take from Smith’s diaries and letters. Interwoven through the program are archival footage and interviews with family and friends of this brilliant, complicated man, whose work developed from twin themes of common humanity and social responsibility.

Who’s in it. W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult stars Peter Riegert as W. Eugene Smith, John Berger as Self, Mimi Bessinger as Voiceover and Peter Feliz as Voiceover, among others.

Where to watch. In GB you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult page.

If you liked it. Fans of W. Eugene Smith: Photography Made Difficult tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.