CLASSIC

Ron Galella’s Smash His Camera

Director: Leon Gast Producer: Adam Schlesinger, Linda Saffire Genre: Documentary Cinematographer: Don Lenzer Music Director: Craig Hazen, David Wolfert Running Time: 87 min In Theatres: 30 July 2010 (USA) Language: English

About Ron Galella

Paparazzi Ron Galella explicitly snapped celebrity photos, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. A kind of intense search that made him land in the court twice. He is known around the world as one of the most famous and controversial celebrity photographers. Over the last 50 years, Ron Galella has compiled a collection of candid celebrity pictures that are as remarkable as any mainstream media outlet.

As one of the country’s leading photographers, he chased celebrities like a shadow, taking photos of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, and the Hordes at Studio 54. Many journalists believed that he was nothing more than a “parasite” and a “bottom feeder”. His photographs are presented in museums and galleries around the world. Along with this, the New York Times awarded his book, ‘Disco Years’, as the Best Photography Book for the year 2006.

Not only does the documentary demonstrate how he came into the business, but his work is often compared with his personal life. With his intense transitions towards recalling his glory days of photographing “real” stars like Robert Redford, Steve McQueen, and Katherine Hepburn he termed it as “Smash His Camera”.

About Documentary

“Smash His Camera” was named after an order that was given by Onassis to a Secret Service specialist after Galella jumped out from behind the bush and began snapping her with John F. Kennedy Jr.

The documentary is one of the greatest examples that teach how a story can shed light on some of the big questions of the era. This enthusiastic photographer shares stories and memories of his encounters with stars such as Bridget Bardot, Robert Redford, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and many more. There is no match for Galella’s obsession with Jackie Onassis, which lasted from 1967 until she died in 1994. His most prominent shot is “Windblown Jackie” taken in 1974, which the photographer calls his own special

‘‘The Official Cover of The Film’’

“Mona Lisa.” The documentary is still remembered for his long court battle with Jackie Onassis.

This single incident was so overpowering. However, he interjects storylines that eventually balance this moment of power. The film addresses the legal, ethical, and aesthetic issues of Galella’s business and asks if anyone has the right to photograph anyone.

Along with the right to invade the privacy of celebrities. Yet, amid all of this controversy, Galella’s spectacular shots remain to be the true highlights. It is hard to deny the deepness of his photographs, which include some famous celebrities of his time. You are obliged to admire his creativity, while some of his critics call Galella “money-grubbing.”

Towards the end of the documentary, we see a young girl gazing at the pictures of Galella in the gallery. She does not identify his subjects. As per the director, this would be the biggest legacy of Galella providing us with an unforgettable glimpse of the American royalty. Overall, “Smash His Camera” may not be a groundbreaking documentary, but it lovingly reflects Ron Galella’s heartfelt commitment to his celebrity subjects as well as the epic frustration that the celebrities felt towards him.

Pratiksha Sharma pratiksha@chiiz.com