BERT STERN: ORIGINAL MAD MAN Documentary on acclaimed photographer and “Mad Man” ad industry icon Bert Stern, opens 4/19 @ Nuart April 19, 2013

BERT STERN: ORIGINAL MAD MAN is the definitive voyage into the life and work of one of the greatest American photographers of all time. After working alongside Stanley Kubrick at Look Magazine, Bert Stern became an original Madison Avenue "mad man," his images helping to create modern advertising. He also directed the iconic music film Jazz on a Summer's Day. Groundbreaking photos of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Bridget Bardot, Twiggy and the infamous Lolita image from Kubrick’s film, coupled with his astonishing success in advertising, minted Stern as a celebrity in his own right; indeed, Stern’s photographs of Monroe in her last sitting are considered to be the ultimate images of the 20th century icon. After marrying the stunning ballet dancer Allegra Kent, the kid from Brooklyn was sitting on top of the world...until a dramatic fall from grace. Filmmaker Shannah Laumeister uncovers Stern—from his bad boy antics (including a liaison with Monroe) to his iconic photography. Shockingly frank, it explores creativity, celebrity, and desire through the eyes of a man who got everything he wanted. Almost.

"A REMARKABLY CANDID AND REVEALING DOCUMENTARY. Laumeister and Stern’s relationship — one of muse and mentor — is intimate and complex, and this unconventional film reflects that. For Stern, taking photographs was like making love — an intense, emotional experience. The images from Marilyn Monroe’s Last Sitting remain some of the most iconic and intimate celebrity portraits ever made. As a new season of ‘Mad Men’ premieres, it’s perfectly fitting that the original mad man, Bert Stern, is receiving the accolades that his remarkable life and career deserve." -Phil Bicker, Time Magazine

"EYE-OPENING, INTRIGUING AND TIMELY. A highly intimate, fascinating portrait." -Frank Schleck, The Hollywood Reporter

"CANDID, and at times almost painful in its level of exposure, Laumeister’s film intersperses black-and-white photos of and by Stern with scenes of present-day narration. In the former, he is a massively charismatic, handsome man who seems constantly to be in motion while, in the latter, he is one struggling to come to terms with the halting of the ferocious velocity of his youth." -Antonina Jedrzejczak, Vogue Magazine

The film’s running time is 110 minutes; it is not rated.

Landmark’s Nuart Theatre, 11272 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles (310) 281-8223
SPECIAL GUESTS IN PERSON: Director Shannah Laumeister will appear on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 for a Q&A after the 7:30pm shows and to introduce the 9:45pm shows.
Show times (valid 4/19- 4/25): Fri-Sun 12:30, 2:50 5:10, 7:30, 9:45; Mon-Thur 5:10, 7:30, 9:45.
https://tickets.landmarktheatres.com/Ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=209 and at theatre box office.
Tickets are $10.50 for general admission and $8.50 for seniors and children.

Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/561443497209855/