the film should join the small circle of high-level docs about the acting profession able to inspire newcomers.

THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

After deciding against writing an autobiography, Sir Ian McKellen trusted Joe to tell his story in a feature length documentary

the cast

  • Sir Ian McKellen

  • Luke Evans

  • Milo Parker

  • Adam Brown

  • Scott Chambers

  • Ed Petherbridge

  • Frances Barber

TRAILER

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The Story

Built around a 14 hour interview, Playing the Part uncovers McKellen's story. From his upbringing living through the war, working through repertory and West End theatre becoming a pioneering stage star, coming out and being a leader in the campaign for equality, to his mainstream film breakouts as Magneto and Gandalf. His work and influence transcends generations, celebrated here in this fully authorised insight. McKellen: Playing the Part features unprecedented access to private photo albums, a wealth of never-before-seen archive material, including diaries written when he was 12, and unseen behind the scenes of theatre shows and films, alongside his personal thoughts on a life long lived.

WATCH

At the films Gala Screening at the BFI Southbank, Dame Helen Mirren speaks about her work with Ian McKellen in the post-screening Q&A hosted by Graham Norton.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE FLASHBACK RECREATIONS

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  • "****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."

    —Empire Magazine

  • "*****A beautiful and inspiring documentary about one man and his passion for life, showmanship and LGBTQ+ rights."

    —HeyUGuys

  • "****McKellen: Playing the Part is a celebration of a life particularly well-lived. McKellen emerges as a clear-eyed, impish, utterly professional and pragmatic optimist."

    —The Post NZ

  • "Endlessly fascinating and well crafted, McKellen: Playing The Part burrows deep into the mind of its subject, and the craft of acting itself."

    —FILMINK