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Harry Benson: Shoot First

Play trailer 2:21 Poster for Harry Benson: Shoot First 2016 1h 27m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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85% Tomatometer 27 Reviews 44% 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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Harry Benson: Shoot First

Critics Reviews

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Kristen Lopez Spectrum Culture Nov 20, 2017
2.5/5
A raucous ode to the shutterbug raconteur embraces the glamour of his lifestyle, while keeping the man himself at arm's length. Go to Full Review Anne Cohen Refinery29 Jun 27, 2017
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. Go to Full Review Zosia Bielski Globe and Mail Dec 16, 2016
3/4
The film shows a man who is empathetic toward those in his photos, but less forgiving with himself. Go to Full Review Michael J. Casey Michael J. Cinema Jun 7, 2021
3/5
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. Go to Full Review Phil Guie Film-Forward.com Mar 21, 2019
4/5
Even if you exit the film without a full appreciation of the man, you're likely to at least value his work. Go to Full Review Sean Mulvihill FanboyNation.com Nov 1, 2018
3/5
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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Aug 26, 2018 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. See more Dec 17, 2016 Great Documentary,interesting life and photographs See more Read all reviews
Harry Benson: Shoot First

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Cast & Crew

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Justin Bare

Director

Matthew Miele

Director

Harry Benson

Self

Sharon Stone

Self

Alec Baldwin

Self

Donald Trump

Self

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Harry Benson: Shoot First

Harry Benson: Shoot First: Trailer 1 Harry Benson: Shoot First: Trailer 1 2:21 Now Playing View more videos
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Harry Benson: Shoot First

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Quixotic Endeavors/ Harry Benson Photo Credit: Courtesy of Quixotic Endeavors/ Harry Benson Photo Credit: Courtesy of Quixotic Endeavors/ Harry Benson Photo Credit: Courtesy of Quixotic Endeavors/ Harry Benson Photo Credit: Courtesy of Quixotic Endeavors/ Harry Benson View more photos

Movie Info

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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