FILMWORKER

Director: Tony Zierra

2017, USA, 94

 

Leon Vitali was a rising British television actor when Stanley Kubrick picked him for the role of Lord Bullingdon in Barry Lyndon. That first encounter with the famed auteur proved decisive – he swiftly resolved to devote the rest of his life working for the director, this time behind the scenes, and took on just about every job available: casting director, acting coach, location scouter, sound engineer, color corrector, A.D., promoter, and eventually restorer of Kubrick’s films. Tony Zierra’s affecting documentary profiles the devoted “filmworker” – Vitali’s preferred job title – as he enthusiastically recounts his days with the notoriously meticulous, volatile and obsessive director. The experiences brought both tremendous sacrifice and glowing pride. Filmworker celebrates the invisible hands that shape masterpieces, reminding us that behind every great director, there is a Leon Vitali. – Telluride Film Festival

“★★★★ A revealing and stirring celebration of one of cinema’s unacknowledged heroes.” – Gwilym Mumford, The Guardian

“Movie love at its purest. A celebration of its anonymous inhabitants’ role in bringing our collective dreams to life.” – Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post

“An arresting cinemaniac documentary. Pure candy for Kubrick buffs.” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety

“Catnip to Kubrick obsessives.”- Tim Grierson, Screen Daily

“Extraordinary. Will have film geeks howling with joy.” – David Fear, Rolling Stone

“An absolute must-see documentary for fans of Stanley Kubrick. Gives cinephiles a unique view inside this closed-door world of Kubrick’s process.” – Chris O’Falt, Indiewire

“A sterling documentary. One of the year’s best.” – Nick Schager, Esquire