Cast
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Harry Benson
as Self
Carl Bernstein
as Self
Bryant Gumbel
as Self
Joe Namath
as Self
James L. Brooks
as Self
Donald Trump
as Self
Wendy Benson-Landes
as Self
Betty Buckley
as Self
Alec Baldwin
as Self
Sharon Stone
as Self
André Leon Talley
as Self
Ralph Lauren
as Self
Dan Rather
as Self
Piers Morgan
as Self
Patti Davis
as Self
Crew
Director
- Matthew Miele
- Justin Bare
Writer
- Matthew Miele
- Justin Bare
Producer
- Justin Bare
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Harry Benson: Shoot First represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Matthew Miele brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Harry Benson: Shoot First took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Harry Benson: Shoot First shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Meeting Sebastião Salgado, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Harry Benson: Shoot First subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Michael Monroe -dokumenttielokuva and Biography: Dusty Rhodes explore similar territory, Harry Benson: Shoot First stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 4, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 27m
Where to Watch
