Harry Benson: Shoot First

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2:21

Harry Benson: Shoot First

2016

1h 27m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

27 Reviews

45%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Renowned photographer Harry Benson rose to fame alongside The Beatles, having been assigned to cover their inaugural trip to the United States in 1964. With unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, Benson captured some of the most vibrant and intimate portraits ever taken of the most popular band in history. His extensive portfolio includes iconic images of Winston Churchill, Bobby Fischer, Muhammad Ali, Greta Garbo, Michael Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Kristen Lopez

Spectrum Culture

A raucous ode to the shutterbug raconteur embraces the glamour of his lifestyle, while keeping the man himself at arm's length.

Rated: 2.5/5

Nov 20, 2017

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Anne Cohen

Refinery29

With Jackie earning some serious Oscars buzz, you'll want to bone up on your First Lady trivia. Click on for a behind-the-scenes look at Jackie, and four of her fellow First Ladies, as you've never seen them before.

Jun 27, 2017

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Zosia Bielski

Globe and Mail

The film shows a man who is empathetic toward those in his photos, but less forgiving with himself.

Rated: 3/4

Dec 16, 2016

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Michael J. Casey

Michael J. Cinema

Though it lacks the inventiveness and acuity of a Benson photograph, 'Shoot First' does have a strong enough subject in its frame to make it worthwhile.

Rated: 3/5

Jun 7, 2021

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Phil Guie

Film-Forward.com

Even if you exit the film without a full appreciation of the man, you're likely to at least value his work.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 21, 2019

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Sean Mulvihill

FanboyNation.com

Harry Benson: Shoot First is really at its best when it questions the moral aspects of its subject's work, wondering if Benson prioritizes his work at the expense of the humanity of others.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 1, 2018

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Audience Member

He did created some great historical photography, but as one reviewer pointed out, there was was too much "gushing" about how great Mr. Benson is. I found it out pretty fast what a total jerk he was as a person. Just pass on the video - and visit your local library to check out his book of photography.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

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Audience Member

Great Documentary,interesting life and photographs

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Justin Bare

Director

Matthew Miele

Director

Harry Benson

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Harry Benson: Shoot First: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Renowned photographer Harry Benson rose to fame alongside The Beatles, having been assigned to cover their inaugural trip to the United States in 1964. With unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, Benson captured some of the most vibrant and intimate portraits ever taken of the most popular band in history. His extensive portfolio includes iconic images of Winston Churchill, Bobby Fischer, Muhammad Ali, Greta Garbo, Michael Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Director: Justin Bare, Matthew Miele
Producer: Justin Bare, Gigi Benson, Heather Silverman
Screenwriter: Justin Bare, Matthew Miele
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: Magnolia Pictures, Quixotic Endeavors
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 9, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 14, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $15.6K
Runtime: 1h 27m

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