The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee
Richard Auty

Review by Richard Auty

The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee

2024
★★★★

Watched 26 Aug 2024

Director Jon Spira has dedicated his latest documentary to my late brother, so I was never not going to like it. But... The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee is, genuinely, a supremely engaging, thoughtful and at times laugh out loud funny telling of the actor's long life. Narrated by a black and white marionette of Christopher Lee who is voiced by Peter Serafinowicz (thankfully doing more of a homage to the great man than an out-and-out impression), the film uses a range of storytelling techniques that lifts it far beyond the average talking head-type doc which can sometimes get a little dull.

An A-list cast of interviewees giving their thoughts and memories really helps cement the importance of Christopher Lee in the second half of the 20th century and beyond.

I saw it at its world premiere at FrightFest and was delighted that it was really well-received in a large, and largely full, auditorium. Plus it made me want to seek out various films that I've never got around to watching. The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee is roaring success and highly recommended.

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