Smash His Camera

Released By: Magnolia Pictures
Released On: 10/19/2010
Director: Leon Gast
Cast: Ron Galella, Robert Redford, Dick Cavett, Marlon Brando

The Film:

The photograph of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, paused for a second on a busy New York street with the wind gently blowing her hair across her face is Ron Galella's favourite photo. Odd that this particular subject should be his self-proclaimed “Mona Lisa”, considering that Jackie was the one who dragged him through the court system on more than one occasion to prohibit him from taking her picture; a case that set precedent on the First Amendment as it pertains to the rights of photojournalists and celebrities. Galella's battle with famous people didn't end with Jackie O., though; he was also famously slugged by Marlon Brando, who took offense to Ron's intrusive camerawork and expressed his emotion by breaking Galello's jaw and knocking out several of his teeth.

These incidents and many others are covered in great detail in Leon Gast's (When We Were Kings, Hells Angels Forever) documentary look at Ron Galella, Smash His Camera. Galella, for those not in the know, was one of the first of the so-called “paparazzi”, photographers of the stars. Using vintage clips from Galella's own personal library, hundreds of Ron's famous photographs, and interviews with colleagues, friends, and critics, Gast paints an intimate portrait of a man both revered as an artist and loathed as a social pariah. Opening with Ron in his darkroom, skilfully developing prints, and then moving quickly to Ron mapping out a plan of attack to infiltrate the Waldorf Astoria Hotel to hand his book “No Pictures” to Robert Redford, Gast's portrayal of Ron remains largely unbiased, while adding just enough of Galella's charisma to present him as a sympathetic character.

Gast's decision to showcase Ron in a style that matches his photographs is a good one. You won't find the story of Ron's upbringing, his religious background, or details of what inspired him to become a photojournalist here; Smash His Camera goes straight for the flash, displaying his work, his massive estate with a bunny cemetery and fake garden, and the tabloid marketing of his court date with Jackie O. and his punch-up with Brando. However, as the glitz and glamour of Rons' photos of iconic stars outside of Studio 54 fade out to be replaced with today's cookie-cutter actors and throngs of digital cameras, the film's missive becomes very clear; to tell the story of a man and his love for an art and style that is a thing of the past.

Video/Audio/Extras:

Magnolia brings Smash His Camera to DVD in a 1.78:1 anamorphic presentation with a Dolby Digital 5.1 track. Despite some of the source material being sub-par, the transfer is very clean and sharp. Recently filmed interviews look good, and the audio track does a great job of presenting the soundtrack as well as maintaining the clarity of the dialogue.

There are also a few very worthwhile extras included on the disc; Deleted and Extended Scenes puts together 7 different segments, including Bobby Kennedy and Richard Branson at one of Ron's gallery openings, Ron's trip to Los Angeles that includes vintage video footage, Ron attempting to track down Brad Pitt at the Toronto International Film Festival, and Dick Cavett describing how Marlon Brando's hand got infected after slugging Ron. There are 7 scenes altogether, and they run just over 17 minutes.

The Photo Gallery: Ron Galella's Favorites is a still gallery made up of over 60 of Ron's favourite photographs, including his many shots of Jackie O., Al Pacino, Dean Martin, Elvis, and Mick Jagger.

Rounding out the extra features is the gem of the disc, a commentary with Ron, Director Leon Gast, and Producers Linda Saffire and Adam Schlesinger. The commentary allows Ron to get a bit more into his background and his inspiration regarding photography, his relationships with the various celebrities that he's photographed, his unique wardrobe choices, and the sale prices of his work. Leon also gets the chance to chime in with his motivation in making the picture, and his appreciation for the art of photography. With all four people involved, there are some great stories that involve Ron, and the making of the film.

Overall:

An interesting look at an interesting personality, Smash His Camera may not receive the Academy hype that Gast's previous film When We Were Kings did, but is definitely worth checking out.