
The Man Who Shot New York
Directed by Andy Dunn
The Man Who Shot New York explores the life and work of one of America’s master photographers. In his 2015 obituary the New York Times declared him “one of the most accomplished recorders of the American experience.” Howard Greenberg says Feinstein “occupies high ground in the pantheon of street photography” yet, most people, have never heard of him. A prodigious talent, before coming of age Edward Steichen had bought three of Feinstein’s prints for the permanent collection at MoMA, Steichen then requested seven prints for his legendary Family of Man exhibition. Feinstein declined and his fast track to ‘success’ was derailed. Unconcerned, Feinstein went on to photograph life in all its forms, when and where he wished. Whether this was as a draftee in the Korean War, in a Bebop infused Manhattan loft or rural hippy enclave in upstate NY, Harold’s 35mm black and white photographs captured the essence of life with a with a uniquely humanist eye.The rediscovery of Feinstein’s vast and diverse body of work came in his final years and the film meets him then; in his early 80s and with a zen-like appreciation for the life he lived. Filmmaker Andy Dunn spent precious time with Harold in his Massachusetts home and also on one last road trip to his beloved birthplace, Coney Island. Through the testimonials of friends, lovers, family members and photography experts this atmospheric film paints an intimate, yet critical portrait of this complex and inspirational underdog of 20th century photography. A renowned teacher and spiritual guide with a hedonistic appetite for life, Feinstein is remembered as a guru as well as an artist by those who knew him, a true original who’s philosophy on life is as thrilling to discover now as it was in his prime. And with unrestricted access to his archive, much of it unseen before, the film shows how Feinstein’s unique outlook on life was reflected in his life-affirming photography.
The Man Who Shot New York explores the life and work of one of America’s master photographers. In his 2015 obituary the New York Times declared him “one of the most accomplished recorders of the American experience.” Howard Greenberg says Feinstein “occupies high ground in the pantheon of street photography” yet, most people, have never heard of him.
Cast: Harold Feinstein