Patrick Swirc is a renowned photographer known for capturing stunning portraits of celebrities, offering an intimate glimpse into their personalities. In this article, we delve into his experiences and anecdotes with several prominent figures in the film industry.
Capturing Iconic Moments
Actor Christopher Walken is among the many famous faces in “Disobedience.” Swirc recalls, “I didn’t have much time to work with Walken: ‘I’m doing three photos,’ (Walken) said. Then he left.”Swirc had only known actor Matt Damon for five minutes, but “Matt Damon gives you the impression that you are his friend. He always laughs with you, pleasant,” Swirc said.Swirc photographed actor Tom Hanks at the Deauville American Film Festival in France. He remarked that it usually rains at the festival, but Hanks “approached the window of opportunity with that little ray of this sun.”Actress Marion Cotillard “is so sensual,” Swirc declared. “All you have to do is draw your gaze toward her and you have your picture.”Actress Charlotte Rampling “is very interesting to work with,” according to Swirc. “She takes the time to be completely with you when you photograph her.”There was a role reversal in play when Swirc photographed film director Martin Scorsese. “Scorsese is very attentive to what you say to him; he lets himself relax and be directed,” Swirc noted.Swirc shot actor Javier Bardem at the Cannes Film Festival in France. “He has an incredible profile,” Swirc remarked.“When I was a child, I came face to face with Clint Eastwood on a duel,” Swirc reminisced. “During this photo shoot, I could see myself dressed up as a cowboy with my plastic guns. That day my gun was my camera, and I could unsheathe it quicker than he could.”Swirc shared an interesting encounter after photographing actress Salma Hayek: “She came up to me to view photos on the screen of my camera, and I felt the fabric of her blouse against my arm. My camera almost slipped from my hands.”Director David Lynch “is always very elegant,” Swirc stated. “It’s very hard to miss a picture of Lynch.”Swirc had fun with Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his roles in action films. “I locked him in the shower closet of his hotel room with barely any light and then set the flash right onto his face,” Swirc recounted. “Then I laughed a lot.”Director Jean-Luc Godard is known for his radical, complex films. “Godard looks at me without understanding what is happening, and that is exactly my attitude when I look at his films: I don’t understand anything at all,” Swirc reflected.Swirc had just met actress Juliette Binoche when he took this photo, stating, “I found her so beautiful and so sensual. I was very happy to photograph her.”
