Ron Howard's documentary about the famous photographer Richard Avedon draws attention with its claim that Avedon largely captured the 20th century. Recognized as a pioneering photographer during the peak of fashion magazines, Howard's film skillfully presents an impressive archive provided by the Richard Avedon Foundation in its 100-minute runtime.

Avedon inspired the musical "Funny Face," starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. The renowned photographer captured portraits of many famous figures, including James Baldwin, Allen Ginsberg, Marilyn Monroe, and Charlie Chaplin, as well as cultural icons like Ronald Reagan and Andy Warhol's Factory. He documented not only portrait work but also the ruins of post-war Paris, the architects of the American Civil Rights movement, and the victims of napalm during the Vietnam War.

The Avedon documentary will have a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17. Howard had previously directed documentaries about creatives like Luciano Pavarotti and Jim Henson. His goal with these documentaries is to help audiences better understand the depth behind the works of these artists.

Howard states that he satisfies his own curiosity by using Avedon's works. The documentary is expected to offer viewers a better understanding of Avedon's artistic process and personal life.