Filming Elia Kazan's "Wild River"--Tennessee 18 Possibly 1959

Robert Frank captured this photographic contact sheet in Tennessee, 1960. The dominant motif is that of men standing around, seemingly idle, some dressed in the garb of authority. The presence of these figures, marked by their coats and hats, evokes the idea of power and order. Historically, such gatherings of men have signified council, decision-making, or communal action. The TVA logo on the car connects these figures to the Tennessee Valley Authority, a symbol of government intervention and modernization. Yet, we might recall similar gatherings in Renaissance paintings, where robed figures debate matters of state. This image resonates with the deeper anxiety of progress versus tradition. Collective memory and subconscious processes may affect the production and interpretation of such motifs, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The composition may convey a sense of deliberation, but also one of potential disruption. The recurring motif of men in groups has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, from ancient forums to modern-day boardrooms.