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' S h o t ! T h e P s y c h o - s p i r i t u a l M a n t r a o f R o c k . '
- a documentary review by Robert Render Harrison.
Hopefully, the awkward title won't put you off! The movie is actually rather good; if you were around
in the 1970s, listening to David Bowie, Lou Reed, Blondie or Iggy Pop, you are already familiar with
the stills photographs of Mick Rock. Yes, that really is his name!
'Shot!' is Mick Rock's own story, from an unknown stills photographer shooting the as yet undiscov-
ered David Bowie, but clearly on his way to fame, at the start of Glam rock. Starring in the movie,
Mick Rock gives many insights into the pop culture of the 70s, and in particular how he approaches
his subject. "I was never an outsider," he says.
The director, Barney Clay, had never shot a documentary before, which Mick regarded as a plus.
Cinematography is by Max Goldman. There's a very stylistic treatment of MIck's near-death experi-
ence, interspersed with the on-going story, which worked rather well. If you're an old rocker, like me,
it's a must-see; a younger audience will get a very good feel for the early days of rock music, and
anyone who appreciates good people photography will get a hit from the images of a very talented
photographer. Today, now that photography is regarded as an art form, you may not be able to afford
an original Mick Rock photo taken at the height of his fame - the 1970's - but you can see the movie.
If you don't see it on the big screen, it's available online.