“Smash his camera” are words which immediately make you wonder why someone would say them, but if you watch this documentary it the reason quickly becomes clear. The film is about Ron Galella, who photographs celebrities for a living. He’s not doing that in the studios though with great light and perfectly dressed models, but on the streets as a paparazzo. He’s been doing that since the cities and because of that he has been on of the first photographers working for the tabloid industry. This documentary looks at his career, one which will not be appreciated by everyone.
Galella, who still is working, has been through a lot in all the years he has been working. He had run ins with Marlon Brando, which cost him a couple of teeth and also with Jackie Kennedy Onassis (JFK’s wife) who yelled the words from the title as she had become an obsession for Galella. It would eventually result in a court case in which the right to privacy and freedom of press go head to head.
This documentary gives a fascinating look into the life of one of the first paparazzi. He even shows his techniques to get into places, but also shows his impressive archives, which hold millions of pictures of a lot of celebrities. It’s something which still earns him money. Director Leon Gast doesn’t only show one side of the coin as Galella’s critics also get to have their say. It makes for something which shows the life of a paparazzo, even though most people will see him as some sort of parasite. But as long as there is a demand for his images, people like Ron Galella will be able to make sure there is supply.
