Top Five Shocking Revelations in Netflix’s ‘The Stringer’

Netflix’s latest documentary, *The Stringer: The Man Who Took the Photo*, sheds new light on the iconic Napalm Girl image from the Vietnam War. This film explores shocking revelations surrounding the origins of the photograph, challenging established narratives about its creator. Here’s a breakdown of the five most surprising claims made in the documentary.

1. Nick Ut Did Not Capture the Famous Image

The core assertion of the film is that Nick Ut, who has long been credited with taking the iconic photograph, is not its actual creator. The narrative is driven by Gary Knight, who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the image’s authorship. Through a local journalist’s help, they identify Nguyen Nghe as the true photographer, contradicting the widely accepted historical account.

2. Horst Faas and Attribution Issues

Horst Faas is a celebrated figure in photojournalism, known for his compelling Vietnam War imagery. Nevertheless, Knight’s research into Faas reveals a troubling practice. He suggests Faas often took credit for work produced by local Vietnamese photographers, raising ethical questions about photo attribution in conflict zones.

3. The Lost Proof of Authorship

Nghe faced significant challenges in proving he captured the Napalm Girl photo. After receiving a copy of the photograph alongside $20 from the Associated Press, he proudly displayed it on his refrigerator. However, his wife, disturbed by the content, discarded the image, resulting in Nghe losing his only evidence of authorship when their marriage ended in divorce.

4. A Leading Photographer in Trang Bang

During the chaotic events of that day, the film suggests that Nguyen Nghe was among the most skilled photographers present in Trang Bang. Despite notable figures like Nick Ut and David Burnett also being present, Nghe’s credentials painted a picture of his prominence at the scene.

5. The Issue of Exploitation

A recurring theme in *The Stringer* is the exploitation of local photographers by foreign journalists. Knight highlights what he describes as a “benign” system that often overlooks the contributions of Vietnamese stringers. An interview with Nghe’s brother-in-law, Tran Van Than, underscores this dynamic. He recalls being aware of Nghe’s true authorship but felt his voice would not matter in the larger context.

• Key Themes:
  • Authorship and Credibility
  • Exploitation in Journalism
  • The Legacy of War Photography
• Noteworthy Contributors:
  • Gary Knight – Documentary Protagonist
  • Nick Ut – Credited Photographer
  • Nguyen Nghe – Alleged True Photographer

These revelations challenge viewers to reconsider what is known about one of the Vietnam War’s most powerful images. The documentary emphasizes the need for honesty and transparency in storytelling, particularly in the context of war and its many narrators.