Lovers At The Palace Theatre, 1940
When going to the cinema, many of us would not even consider the idea that we are being watched. It is dark, even the people on the same row as us cannot see us, and everyone is facing the same direction. It is hardly surprising then that these two lovers have chosen this location to share a moment of passion; after all, who is going to know? Unfortunately, the photographer Weegee was only seats away from them, shooting on Infrared film. Weegee has many shots from inside cinemas, but I love this one in particular. You can tell the couple had no idea they were being watched; they look totally comfortable, and the women has even taken her shoes off and placed her feet on the back of the seat in front of her. The man hasn't even paused to take off his 3D glasses.
Was it right for Weegee to exploit this couple, by photographing them unawares in a place that they had assumed would give them privacy? Perhaps not, but in todays society this is nothing compared to the everyday surveillance that we are placed under by CCTV cameras. Maybe what makes this more disconcerting is the fact that Weegee is not backed by any institution, or observing people for any greater good such as safety. He is just one man, photographing people out of his own interest and curiosity, which gives it a definite air of voyeurism.
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