In an age of digital perfection and infinite smartphone storage, a new BBC Four documentary, Mr Polaroid, asks a poignant question: whatever happened to the magic of the imperfect, physical photograph?
Christopher Stevens delivers a masterful review of this fascinating film, which delves into the life of the brilliant and eccentric Dr Edwin Land. He was the obsessive genius who dedicated his life to perfecting the dream of instant photography, giving the world the iconic Polaroid camera.
The Man Behind the Magic
Land was far more than a clever inventor; he was a visionary who saw his camera as a tool for human connection. The documentary, as Stevens highlights, paints a portrait of a man so consumed by his work that he would often disappear into his laboratory for days on end, fuelled by a near-messianic belief in his project.
His drive was so intense that he reportedly forbade his daughter from mentioning any other subject at the dinner table, a testament to the all-encompassing nature of his passion.
A Legacy Beyond the Polaroid Picture
While the joy of watching a photograph develop in the palm of your hand is his most famous legacy, Stevens's review reveals Land's crucial, yet largely forgotten, role in the Second World War. His company developed advanced technology for targeting gunsights and even created a sophisticated anti-aircraft system for the US government.
This invention, a precursor to modern missile guidance systems, was so effective it helped shoot down countless enemy planes. Yet, as the documentary notes, this chapter of his life was something Land rarely discussed, perhaps overshadowed by his love for peacetime innovation.
The Tragic Downfall of an Icon
The film doesn't shy away from the tragic end of the Polaroid empire. Stevens captures the documentary's narrative of how Land's stubbornness, his refusal to accept the rising tide of digital photography, ultimately led to his company's downfall. Forced out of the firm he built, he died a broken man, his life's work seemingly made obsolete by the new digital age.
Yet, Mr Polaroid argues that his vision was ultimately prescient. In our current era of intangible digital images, the tangible, unique quality of a Polaroid print has experienced a massive resurgence, cherished for its authenticity and nostalgic charm.
Christopher Stevens's review concludes that this documentary is more than a history lesson; it is a compelling tribute to a flawed but magnificent pioneer. It’s the story of the man who taught the world to value the moment, and to hold it in their hands.
