Love, Cecil

A well made documentary on the life of Cecil Beaton. A man with a great imagination despite being a victim of his time.

Certainly not an easily likeable person: but isn't that true for all artistic exceptional intellectual or creative people?

Worthy of watching to see his mark on art in the first half of the 20th Century.

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.

As much as this is a documentary on this legendary photographer, it's also an interesting retrospective on the end of empire and of days long gone. Sir Cecil Beaton started out his adult life as an aspiring fop, a dandy - and at a time when it was still very much illegal, a gay man. He had an eye, though, and through a combination of serendipity and skill ended up taking photographs that were published, and that led to his gradual inclusion in a high society in which he sometimes, though not always, thrived. This biography uses contributions from some celebrated modern-day professionals to help illustrate just how ground-breaking and innovative Beaton was. He wasn't just a photographer but was involved in set design on both stage and screen; he was also romantically attached to Greta Garbo and was clearly a great favourite of both Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II. As with the recent "Mad About the Boy" documentary on Sir Noël Coward, this subject benefits enormously from an engaging Rupert Everett narration and from a veritable treasure trove of images that substantiate the deserved reputation and style of this visionary, charismatic and quirky man. It does take us on a slight gander through his peccadilloes but the emphasis here is firmly on his achievements as a creative trailblazer, and if you are remotely interested in the history of fashion, cinema or theatre it's well with a watch.

Born (1904) in Hampstead, England - Cecil Beaton was a professional cameraman and costume designer who was not only well-known for his striking, b&w celebrity portraits - But, he was also credited for his impressive photography of the British Royal Family, as well.

Through stills, archival footage, and candid interviews - This informative celebrity bio-documentary looks at the life and times of Cecil Beaton whose career spanned nearly 50 years (1926-1970).

(*Note*) - In 1980 - Cecil Beaton (74 at the time) died of poor health following a serious stroke.