THE OF LIFE AND DEATHS OF CHRISTOPHER LEE
UK, 2024, 90 minutes, Colour.
Directed by Jon Spira.
Christopher Lee was always an imposing presence on screen whether in supporting roles or in leading roles, making his dramatic presence felt in Hammer Studios productions, Dracula in 1958, although, it is noted, appearing for only eight minutes in the film).
This is an opportunity for the public but, especially, for film buffs and enthusiasts to learn something of the life of Christopher Lee – and, as mentioned frequently, the range of deaths he suffered on screen.
The writer and director of the film is Jon Spira, who made a number of film documentaries including Hollywood Bulldogs, The Rise and Fall of the Great British Stuntmen as well as a look at Elstree 76.
The film uses the device of having an actor, Peter Serafinowicz, voice Christopher Lee telling his own story. And, visually, the striking device of having a puppet, marionette, on strings, looking like Christopher Lee and narrating the story.
There is ample background on Lee’s lineage, from the Middle Ages, Italian aristocracy, marrying into British military backgrounds, his education, possibilities, art, acting, difficulties with his being too tall, looking to Italianate, small parts in the emerging British industry of the 1940s and 1950s. And all this is told with sardonic remarks, Lee’s own perspective.
The film traces his career, the small parts, illustrated with quite a number of clips, the history of Hammer Studios, Dracula, the reputation with Dracula films, his strong friendship with Peter Cushing through many films, again genial clips, especially at the end of Peter Cushing’s life when the two were filming dialogue for a documentary, a fine tribute to Peter Cushing.
There are quite a number of directors who were friendly with Christopher Lee and happy to give testimony, especially a laughing an exuberant John Landis, Joe Dante, significant interview material from Christopher Lee’s niece, the actress Harriet Walter and one of his sons-in-law, with friends, who later produced the records, Charlemagne and the rock music and songs by Lee himself.
There is a background of his marriage, not to the fore, but then the various stages of his career – especially his time in Spain with a range of horror films, then his years in the United States, quite a surprise to watch the clips and the range of films that he appeared in, then the 1990s, return to England, once again a number of roles but building up to his presence, and interview material with Peter Jackson, and his appearance in The Lord of the Rings.
Some of the commentators indicate that Lee, despite his strong height and appearance, was often hesitant, lacking in confidence. But, he enjoyed being in the limelight and audience response. And, he was finally knighted given lifetime awards, dying the age of 92.
The documentary moves along rapidly, gives the audience a good overview of the life of Christopher Lee, the backup of the interviews, and the satisfaction of seeing such a wide number of clips of his films – and the memories of his being Dracula and his final disdain of an interviewer referring to him as the King of horror.
