MarlaLewinGFV

by Marla Lewin

A controversial film will World Premiere in the US Documentary Competition at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. SMASH HIS CAMERA, from Oscar-winning filmmaker Leon Gast (WHEN WE WERE KINGS) documents the life of Ron Galella, the self-proclaimed paparazzo superstar who pursued and made art of a celebrity world that despised him. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis sued him, Marlon Brando broke his jaw and Steve McQueen gave him a look that would have killed, if looks could kill. To the celebrities, Galella was the beast who threatened beauty.

Inherent in the story of this notorious photographer are the complex issues of the right to privacy, freedom of the press and the ever-growing vortex of celebrity worship. Ron Galella sneaked around and invaded and bribed and held up his camera and shot till he dropped (or someone dropped him). His was the artistry of the sniper.

California has enacted an anti-paparazzi law making it easier to sue media outlets that use photos that invade celebrities’ privacy. The new law is an amendment to a decade-old law that allows fines against paparazzi who illegally or offensively take photos or recordings. It targets the tabloids, magazines, TV shows and Internet sites that often pay millions of dollars for these items. The law is sure to be challenged by these news outlets that make millions of dollars through these efforts.

It will be interesting to see how celebrities attending the Sundance Film Festival react to this film. Sundance has been a magnet for both stars and  paparazzi for years. The streets are often blocked totally by fans driving in from Salt Lake City and beyond hoping to get a glimpse of A list celebrities at the festival. Brittany Spiers, J-Lo and others have attracted attention even when they didn’t have a film in the festival. The Lounges and gifting suites are set up in every available house or store front with the express goal of attracting these celebrities so that brands can snap photos. Obviously it was just a matter of time before someone would explore this phenomenon.

Sundance Screenings:

Saturday, Jan. 23, 12:00 pm – Temple Theatre
Saturday, Jan. 23, 9:45 pm – Broadway Centre Cinemas V, SLC
Press/Industry: Sunday, Jan. 24, 11:00 am – Holiday Village I
Monday, Jan. 25, 6:00 pm – Yarrow Hotel Theatre
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 11:30 pm – Library Center
Friday, Jan. 29, 3:30 pm – Holiday Village II

Attending: Director Leon Gast (Jan. 21-31) and photographer Ron Galella (Jan. 22-26)

In conjunction with the Sundance premiere of SMASH HIS CAMERA, Ron Galella will be showing a special Park City Gallery Exhibit of 39 of his photographs, including images of a number of entertainment personalities connected to this year’s festival—from Robert Redford to Joan Rivers to Nathalie Portman and Edie Falco.

The exhibit will run from January 21-26 at Gallery MAR, 580 Main Street. http://www.gallerymar.com