Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photographer Neal Ulevich's Sharp Rebuke of 'The Stringer'
In a recent article, renowned photographer Neal Ulevich, a Pulitzer Prize winner, has delivered a compelling critique of the Netflix film 'The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo'. Ulevich, who worked for the Associated Press during the Vietnam War, offers a unique perspective on the controversy surrounding the film's portrayal of the iconic Napalm Girl photograph.
Ulevich clarifies that he was not in Vietnam when the famous photograph was taken but was on a brief trip to the United States. He emphasizes the overwhelming focus on the Burned Girl story upon his return to Saigon, where he worked for the Associated Press. Ulevich highlights the strong presence of renowned photographers like Carl Robinson, Horst Faas, Jackson Ishizaki, and Tran Mong Tu, who all supported the authenticity of the image without casting doubt on its authorship.
The experienced photojournalist asserts that it would have been highly unlikely for a credit switch to go unnoticed. He explains that gossip and word-of-mouth would have quickly spread among the Vietnamese staff, and his friend Jackson would have shared the information with him. Ulevich further supports his argument by citing the trustworthiness of David Burnett, another journalist present at the scene, who confirms Nick Ut's involvement in capturing the image.
However, Ulevich takes a critical stance towards Carl Robinson, the photo editor who claims Horst Faas instructed him to change the credit. He questions Robinson's credibility and motives, citing his strong negative feelings towards the Associated Press and Horst Faas, which he believes may have influenced his actions. Ulevich also mentions a personal journal entry expressing Robinson's hatred for Horst Faas, further emphasizing the impact of personal character on the situation.
Additionally, David Burnett, another journalist present at the scene, recently wrote an opinion piece for The Washington Post, reinforcing his long-held belief that Nick Ut was the photographer. Ulevich's article highlights the importance of thorough fact-checking and the potential consequences of misrepresenting historical events, inviting readers to consider the implications of such inaccuracies.
