The Americans Book Review

The Americans by Robert Frank is probably one of the most famous photobooks there is, it also contains probably one of the lengthiest introductions I have also come across, written by Jack Kerouac.

 

 

There are some great lines in the introduction, although, I have to admit, I thought it rambled on a bit.

I do like the introductory line however, "That crazy feeling in America when the sun is hot on the streets and music comes out of the jukebox or from a nearby funeral". Kerouac, J (2008). The Americans. Germany: Steidl. pg1.

Shot entirely in black and white, the book contains images that capture American life as it was during the period 1955 – 1956.

Although I don’t like every image the book contains, there are a number of images that really stand out. The image of US 285, New Mexico is one such image, it has for me, perfect composition, the horizon is above the top third of the image and the road leads you into the image, with what looks like a vehicle heading towards you in the distance.

Robert Frank toured a total of 48 States in America in an old car, taking many images that catalogue not only all walks of life, but many occasions, good and bad, from parades to funerals, from the high life of Hollywood to the poverty of the ghettos. It’s a startling reminder of the vast gaps that we have in society where wealth and status are concerned.

There are some great candid shots and another image that I find striking is the image of an African American Nurse holding a Caucasian Baby. As I’m sure most of us would agree, this is as it should be, I do believe that this image was taken at a time where racial segregation was still in existence in America so this image is quite poignant.

Another image which I find is this one of a bar in Las Vegas, Nevada. Again, a simple image, but the effect that the lighting has to emphasise the image is great. The light coming through the windows and door, lighting up the subject and flooring is excellent, but doesn’t detract from the main subject of the photograph. The light only serves to heighten the main subject. The only criticism I would level at this image would be the slight burnout of the light through the round windows of the doors, it adds impact but is a little too bright. All in All though, a great shot.

The image entitled Los Angeles is also a well seen shot, quite simple but humorous. You have an arrow on the building pointing to the right with a person walking along the pavement in the same direction, oblivious to the sign.

The layout of the book is also perfect. Having reviewed the book and the layout and a discussion with my tutor, I will say that it is a style that I will be adopting.

Each image has a blank page to the left, with only the title as a distraction. Therefore when viewing the image you only concentrate on the image before you and nothing else.

Frank, R & Kerouac, J (2008). The Americans. Germany: Steidl. p1-p174.