FILM

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As Told in “Monk With a Camera,” How Did Irving Penn’s Photography Contribute to Vreeland’s Style?

Nicholas Vreeland was born into a family where photography was important. Early in Monk With a Camera (2014), we learn that when Nicholas was fifteen, the work of Irving Penn spoke to him more than any other. Penn was a photographer with a long…

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In “Monk With a Camera,” How Does Vreeland Justify Continuing with Photography During his Monkhood?

monk (noun): a member of a religious community of men typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. As a society, we don’t picture monks as having many material possessions. By definition, they aren’t supposed to. A…

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What is the Point of “Monk With a Camera” Telling Vreeland’s Story?

One could see Monk With a Camera (2014) as nothing but an ego-mentary about a guy who claims he’s living a life of servitude and duty but appears to be doing the opposite. He’s a celebrity. He spends far more of the film’s time outside of…

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Is “Monk With a Camera” a Close Look at Vreeland’s Buddhist Evolution, or a Superficial Show & Tell?

Nicholas Vreeland started his life in high society, where photography was an important element. It was his grandmother’s claim to fame, his sole interest outside of being a dandy and causing mischief, and led to his first job. But an interest in…

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Seen in “Monk With a Camera,” Who is Khyongla Rato Rinpoche and How Did He Guide Vreeland’s Journey?

The major character in Monk With a Camera (2014), aside from Nicholas Vreeland, is his mentor and teacher Khyongla Rato Rinpoche. Rinpoche is a scholar, teacher, former monk, and Vreeland’s root guru. Vreeland speaks about him with the utmost…

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The 5 Most Analyzable Films & TV Shows to Watch on Netflix Right Now

Is the winter weather keeping you inside this weekend? There are likely some responsible things that you should do: catch up on laundry (yawn), start your taxes (ugh). But let’s face it—those ideas don’t excite anyone. When the weather…