McKellen: Playing the Part

Name: McKellen: Playing the Part
Genre: Documentary, History

United Kingdom · 2018
Rated PG · 1h 32m
Director Joe Stephenson
Starring Ian McKellen, Scott Chambers, Luke Evans, Milo Parker
Genre Documentary, History

Built upon a 14 hour interview, McKellen: Playing the Part is a unique journey through the key landmarks of McKellen's life, from early childhood into a demanding career that placed him in the public eye for the best part of his lifetime. Using an abundance of photography from McKellen's private albums and cinematically reconstructed scenes, a raw talent shines through in the intensity, variety and devotion to that moment in the light.

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What are critics saying?

Time Out by

Director Joe Stephenson paints a beautiful portrait, but the actor’s sensitivity, storytelling and strength of character are captivating enough.

The Guardian by Cath Clarke

McKellen occasionally slips into the part of twinkly super-cool gay uncle that he tends to play in interviews these days. But mostly he’s thoughtful and self-reflective (and not at all gossipy about his theatrical chums, disappointingly).

The Hollywood Reporter by Deborah Young

This is clearly not a tell-all autobiography, but the story of a wildly successful career as seen through the protagonist's own eyes.

Empire by Olly Richards

An absolute treat of an interview with a man who has told other people’s stories wonderfully for decades and tells his own just as well.