Narrator: In 1921, Paul Strand collaborated with Charles Sheeler to make this filmed portrait of Manhattan. Here’s Paul Strand:
Artist, Paul Strand: Sheeler acquired a very beautiful French movie camera made of wood. We were friends, and he showed me the camera with great pride. We decided that we would make a little film together about New York, a kind of experimental film.
Narrator: The film reflects their shared interests. Both artists explored urban landscapes and industrial America by examining the geometry of buildings, smokestacks, and machines.
Paul Strand: He was interested in abstract movement, so was I. I don't know—we worked very closely together. He'd look in the finder, I'd look in the finder. I would suggest something, he would suggest something. We worked very well together because we understood each other and what we were trying to do.
Narrator: The film is titled Manhatta after Walt Whitman’s poem, “Mannahatta.” It’s the Lenape name for Manhattan. Each section is introduced by verses from the poem.
Paul Strand: We used the Walt Whitman "Mannahatta,” which we both admired greatly. It showed for a week under the title of New York The Magnificent. They changed the title because Manhatta wasn't dramatic enough.
Archival audio from: Paul Strand and Jon Goell. Interview with Paul Strand, 1973 January. Interview with Paul Strand, 1973 Jan. and undated. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.