The 2018 documentary See Know Evil offers an unflinching and deeply personal portrait of Davide Sorrenti, a photographer whose short life and career left an indelible mark on the 1990s fashion landscape. Directed by Charlie Curran, the film delves into Sorrenti's rise as a pivotal figure in the controversial "heroin chic" movement, exploring his artistry, relationships, and the turbulent cultural currents of the era. Combining archival footage, interviews with family and friends, and Sorrenti's own photographs, the documentary paints a nuanced picture of a young artist grappling with both creative ambition and the darker realities of his environment.
See Know Evil places Sorrenti at the heart of a cultural moment while also dismantling the myths that surrounded him after his untimely death at 20. The film challenges the simplistic narrative that Sorrenti's work glorified addiction, presenting instead a deeply empathetic artist who documented his surroundings with honesty and vulnerability. Through interviews with figures like his mother, Francesca Sorrenti, and his girlfriend, Jaime King, the film underscores the intimacy of his work and the fragility of the lifestyle he captured. At its core, See Know Evil is a tribute to Sorrenti's creative spirit, a call to reevaluate the "heroin chic" label, and a sobering meditation on youth, art, and mortality.
