Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures is an unflinching exploration of the life and talent of firebrand photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (1946–1989, United States), a major figure of ​20th century ​​​photography. The film delves into Mapplethorpe​’​​​s upbringing in a conservative, Christian, and homophobic suburban American family, providing insight into the tensions that shaped his artistic journey. It fearlessly documents his hedonistic sex life, the profound impact of his AIDS diagnosis on his career, and his rise to fame during photography​’​​​s emergence as a credible and acceptable form of fine art.

Featuring Mapplethorpe​’​​​s friends, lovers,​ and​ family, ​alongside ​influential figures from the American art world​​ and cultural icons like Patti Smith, this intimate yet critical documentary captures the essence of Mapplethorpe​’​​​s defiant, hardworking, ruthless, and self-absorbed nature. It also showcases the evolution of his photography practice, from his initial contempt for ​the medium​​​ to his infamous photographs of the gay sadomasochistic scene. Spanning three decades of Mapplethorpe​’​​​s life and work, the film provides a comprehensive examination of a complex artist who unabashedly challenged societal norms, captured beauty in unconventional ways, and left an indelible mark on the art world.

Fenton Bailey (b. 1960, United Kingdom) and ​​Randy Barbato (b. United States) are award-winning directors and producers known for their compelling documentaries and unscripted series that often tackle controversial subjects. Among their most notable films are Inside Deep Throat (2005), an exploration of the cultural impact of the iconic adult film​ Deep Throat (1972)​, and The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000), a compassionate portrait of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. Their television series RuPaul​’​​​s Drag Race (2009–​ongoing​) has become a global phenomenon​ that has ​​​revolutionis​ed​​​ drag culture.