Lost in Space

No, before you say anything, I haven't mixed up my sixties sci-fi. But I do have to confess to being a bit lost with this one. While looking at the photography section in the university library (again), I came across the 'Photography Book' by Phaidon, which aims to showcase the best photography of the last few decades. Published in 1997, it was acclaimed as 'a fundamental reference on the subject'. I have to admit that I do like what I like and a lot of the editors choices did escape me, although their are naturally some amazing shots by the likes of Irving Penn, Bill Brandt and Arthur Adams. But while flicking through it, I came across the above and for a second, thought i'd stumbled into the science or TV section, as I am almost entirely sure that the lifting body pictured here is a prop version of the XRV from the 1969 thriller, 'Marooned'.

 Compare this still and the scale model version below, courtesy of Fantastic Plastic Models.

The accompanying text for the image in the Phaidon book reads thusly: Photographer: William Eggleston 'Untitled' - "The plane looks as if its bleeding onto the tarmac - [  ]  the man may be offering consolation [   ] the fence and searchlights speak of danger; even the name of the town, Huntsville, confirms the notion."

As a photographer, I cant honestly see any of that in the image, except maybe the man's curiosity, and I wouldn't go so far as to place the image in such a highly rated publication. Or is it just me ?