A preview of An American Journey (2008), Philippe Seclier's new documentary about Robert Frank is featured as part of the Film Society of Lincoln Center's three-part program, honoring the famous photographer who's best-known work, the extraordinary book titled The Americans, was a revelatory portrait--a documentary in stills, if you will--of our nation's faces and places.

As still photographer and filmmaker, Frank's unique vision and decidedly independent style consistently challenged the staid conventions of image-making. Yet, feisty as he is in outlook, Frank is neither gimmicky nor sensational for effect. Rather, it's Frank's honesty that makes his work startling, gripping and indelibly important.

Part One of the program presents Frank’s second film, The Sin of Jesus (1961), a sort of mockudramatic take off of biblical blockbusters, Conversations in Vermont (1969), a short compilation of candid interviews and scenes with Frank's children, Pablo and Andrea, and Life Dances On… (1980), a short about the loss of loved ones.

Part Two is Me and My Brother (1968), a narrative feature about the relationship between poet Peter Orlovsky and his schizophrenic brother Julius, who are touring the country together with Peter’s companion, poet Allen Ginsberg--all of whom play themselves in the film.

Part Three is An Evening with Robert Frank, with a screening of Pull My Daisy (1959), a slideshow titled Re-Making The Americans (the photography book is being reissued by German publisher Gehard Steidl, edited by Frank himself) and presentation about an upcoming Frank exhibition at the National Gallery and a preview of An American Journey (2008), Philippe Seclier's new documentary about Frank, to be followed by Frank's appearance on stage to be interviewed by journalist Charlie LeDuff.

The May 15 event at the Walter Reade Theater is a wonderful opportunity for you to see the work of one of the independent film movement's seminal artists. If you can't get to any of the all-day programming, you can find and watch Frank's wonderful work on DVD.