Primary is a documentary film about the primary elections between John F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey in 1960. Primary is the first documentary to use light equipment in order to follow their subjects in a more intimate filmmaking style. This unconventional way of filming created a new look for documentary films where the camera’s lens was right in the middle of what ever drama was occurring. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in partnership with The Film Foundation in 1998.
Direction
Drew invented 'Direct Cinema' — handheld chaos before it was cool.
Editing
JFK vs. Humphrey cuts feel like a sports rivalry unfolding live.
Cinematography
Tiny cameras shoved in faces changed documentary forever.
Director
Robert Drew
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This film birthed 'Direct Cinema' and influenced everything from The War Room to reality TV. Drew's crew included future legends Albert Maysles and D.A. Pennebaker.
The light 16mm sync-sound equipment was so new that subjects often forgot cameras were rolling — capturing unguarded moments no journalist ever had.
US
