Nick Broomfield has been an ever-present on the documentary circuit since the late 1970s. He is considered to be, inside and outside of the industry, one of the greatest factual filmmakers of his generation. His work is a mix of investigative reportage into difficult subjects and profiles of some of the most influential names within the arts. The Brit counts Biggie and Tupac, Kurt & Courtney and Whitney: Can I Be Me amongst his most famous work.
No stranger to conflict, Broomfield often seems to court controversy or flirt with provocation. This is in stark contrast to his father, the celebrated industrial photographer Maurice Broomfield, who was a pacifist-humanist. Whilst he undoubtedly inspired his son, Broomfield Junior inherited his left-wing views from his Jewish mother, who fled Czechoslovakia. He embarks on his biggest and most difficult undertaking yet, turning the camera inwards in My Father and Me.
My Father and Me is a poignant and beautifully made tribute to a man who was so obviously a huge part of, and influence on, the filmmaker’s life. While their milieu may be quite different, both men are masters of their crafts. Even though they didn’t see eye to eye much of the time, age thawed their relationship. Created with great love and attention to details, My Father and Me is a wonderful documentary which both celebrates a great and remembers him fondly.
My Father and Me screens on BBC Two on 20 March and then stream on BBC iPlayer.
