Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/03/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]It seems impossible to ever know for sure, once the question was raised, whether or not the "falling soldier" photo was staged. Like Pandora's box, by posing the question a doubt is created that can't be stuffed away. I'm not qualified to research the matter myself, and am unwilling to trust the agendas of those who are. I honestly believe, however, that in the years following that photograph, Capa went on to develop into one of the very finest photo journalist/war correspondents that ever lived. I think he was a dedicated and courageous man of profound convictions, who was driven by a righteous outrage at the horror of war to expose it with an unflinching eye for the truth. In understanding his motivation for this passion, I would like to think that perhaps this one photograph is of central importance. There is no question that it established his reputation and kicked off his career. If it was faked, might not a man of his conscience be moved to spend the rest of his life honestly earning the credibility it gave him? And if it wasn't faked, might not a man of equal conscience be moved to spend the rest of his life earning the credibility that came at the expense of another's life? Either possibility squares with me. Arche