Watch Harry Benson: Shoot First

Harry Benson: Shoot First is a 2016 documentary film directed by Justin Bare and Matthew Miele, which tells the story of world-renowned photographer Harry Benson. Benson has been witness to some of the most iconic moments in history, and his photographs have captured the likes of every US President from Eisenhower to Obama, the British Royal Family, Muhammad Ali, and Martin Luther King Jr, among others.

The film explores Benson's career as a photojournalist from his early days in Glasgow, Scotland, to his first big break photographing The Beatles on their first trip to the United States in 1964. The documentary combines archive footage, interviews with Benson, and commentary from people who have known and worked with him, providing an intimate look into the life and work of one of the world's most revered photographers.

Throughout the film, Benson's photographs take center stage, and the documentary does an excellent job of showcasing some of his most iconic shots. We see pictures of Robert F. Kennedy's assassination, the Berlin Wall coming down, and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton getting married, among others. The film explores the stories behind these photographs and the context in which they were taken, giving the audience a deeper understanding of the man behind the lens.

One of the standout themes of the documentary is Benson's eye for capturing candid moments. Benson's photographs have a unique quality that transcends the subjects themselves, capturing the emotion and energy of the moment. The film looks at some of these candid shots, such as a picture of Senator Robert F. Kennedy which was taken shortly before his assassination, that has become one of Benson's best-known photographs.

The documentary also examines Benson's personal life, focusing on his marriage to his wife Gigi. The couple has been together since they were teenagers, and Gigi is a significant influence on Benson's work, acting as his sounding board and support throughout his career. The film explores their relationship, providing an insight into how they have managed to maintain a strong bond despite the challenges that come with a life in photojournalism.

Another interesting aspect of the documentary is the emphasis it places on the changing nature of photojournalism. Benson's story spans over fifty years, and the film provides a glimpse into how the industry has evolved throughout his career. We see how advances in technology have revolutionized the way photographs are taken and distributed, and the documentary examines how these changes have impacted Benson's work.

Throughout the film, we hear from a range of commentators, including fellow photographers, journalists, and Benson's family and friends. People like Carl Bernstein, Bryant Gumbel, and Sharon Stone provide their insight into Benson's work and offer their own perspectives on the impact of his photographs.

In conclusion, Harry Benson: Shoot First is a compelling, well-made documentary film that provides a rare insight into the life of one of the world's most respected photographers. The combination of interviews, archive footage, and Benson's own work provides an intimate look at the man behind the lens and highlights the impact he has had on the world of photojournalism. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in photography, history, or popular culture.

Harry Benson: Shoot First is a 2016 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 74.