Love, Cecil

In-depth documentary on the life and career of the immensely talented photographer, costume and set designer, illustrator, author, and painter Cecil Beaton. I thought the film captured well his incredible driving and creative force to illustrate what he regarded as the wondrous beauty in this world, aside from what reality truly was. To note, there were no subtitles on my DVD copy.

Beaton, who died in 1980 at the age of 76, is depicted giving candid interview excerpts here, and there are many other interview clips from those who knew him or were inspired by his work. But the real power of this movie, is in the incredibly striking photographs he took, as well as the dazzling costumes and lush sets he designed for such films as My Fair Lady and Gigi.

Overall, the documentary, most ably narrated by Rupert Everett and directed by the talented Lisa Immordino Vreeland, is a well presented look into the world of a multi-talented genius, as I see it.