Joe Stephenson’s documentary McKellen: Playing the Part about one of the greatest living thespians of our time is both enlightening and deeply moving. This documentary features Sir Ian McKellen charting his own life from when he was a child to now. It is in a simple format involving Sir Ian speaking to the interviewer while footage from his previous performances and appearances, both in public and in interviews, add nuance to the story that is being told by the man himself.
It starts off with the story of Sir Ian’s childhood, his family and his initial love of performance and all that inspired him. Played by the young and talented Milo Parker, young Ian immersed himself in his love for the theatre while navigating his sexuality that was never spoken about and the death of his mother when he was 12. He explores the emotions he felt, or did not feel, at that time and talks about his repressed sexuality that played a big role in his love for acting and the people that he found himself with, which included many other well-known legends like Sir Derek Jacobi, Dame Maggie Smith, and Dame Judi Dench among others.
Sir Ian goes on to discuss how he came out to the world as a gay man in the Aids era and how he used his fame to advocate against the controversial Section 28 law in Great Britain. His experience with moving to film is also discussed, along with his doubts about the film process and industry, before going on to be prominent characters in two major film franchises. Besides talking about his career, he also discusses the deeper topics of emotions, family, legacy and even death.
This documentary is for the fans, the young actors and the people who have found and are yet to find their identity. It is a moving and insightful look at the inner workings of a living legend.
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