06. 09. 10. - 12:45

Corbijn rules out working with 'war criminal' Blair again

Photographer Anton Corbijn said he would not photograph Tony Blair again if he was asked to.

The Dutch photographer and film director told Austrian magazine profil: "Blair started his term (as British Prime Minister) with a lot of energy. But Iraq disenchanted him. His approval of the war was an act of violence."

Corbijn added: "I was nevertheless interested in Blair since a friend of mine played in a rock band with him. It was okay to take pictures of him. He can be charming in a way. But he’s also a war criminal in a certain way.

"(…) I wouldn’t photograph him again would he ask me now. And you won’t see my Blair portraits in an exhibition anytime soon."

The publication of Blair’s autobiography "A Journey" dominated the headlines of British newspapers last week. The ex-Prime Minister reveals in the book having shed tears for the thousands of soldiers killed in Iraq – and said in interviews he would give his point of view about current politics more often now that Labour was in opposition.

Corbijn also had words about Hollywood and the music industry. Speaking about his decision to hire Hollywood star George Clooney for his new thriller "The American", the 55-year-old director said: "Clooney’s charm is known, but he’s capable of much more as an actor. There’s something dark and inscrutable in him."

Several of Corbijn’s music videos for stars like Depeche Mode and U2 have been awarded on different occasions but he has now admitted being angered by the music industry’s ignorance of his achievements.

Corbijn said: "At first I didn’t mind (not being a star myself), but later on I was furious that all MTV Awards go to the bands. How idiotic is that? As if musicians direct their own clips."