On June 7, 2015, the legendary actor Christopher Lee left this world at the venerable age of 93. This unique point in time serves as the starting block for Jon Spira’s inventive documentary, which explores the multifaceted life of this cinematic icon through an audacious narrative voice that seems to transcend death itself. By having Lee narrate his own biopic—albeit through the talent of voice actor Peter Serafinowicz—Spira effectively revives the actor’s illustrious persona. Right from the beginning, the documentary confronts the paradox of exploring life after death, utilizing creative liberties to plunge the audience into Lee’s world while simultaneously shedding light on the art of storytelling.
Spira’s approach does not shy away from unveiling the construction of this documentary, as indicated early on by the visual of Serafinowicz in a sound booth, imbuing life into Lee’s familiar cadence. It mirrors a technique seen in other documentary works, such as Mark Cousins’ exploration of Alfred Hitchcock, where voice and persona resurrect a figure whose stories and experiences are painted with both factual and fictional hues. This self-referential intricacy gives the viewer an insight into what it means to narrate a life story and revives a deep-seated curiosity around Lee’s existence, filled with rich humor and an array of experiences.
The Dichotomy of the Horror Genre
Central to Lee’s identity is his complicated relationship with the horror genre—a field known for its allure yet simultaneously viewed with derision. Despite dominating the horror landscape through legendary roles, especially his enduring portrayal of Dracula in Hammer Films’ adaptations, Lee himself seemed to hold a distinctly ambivalent attitude toward this aspect of his fame. The documentary deftly navigates this dichotomy, illustrating how Lee elevated even the most trivial roles with his exceptional craftsmanship while simultaneously underappreciating the very genre that propelled him into the spotlight.
In a keynote moment, the film features a reporter framing Lee as the “king of horror” during the ceremonies surrounding his knighthood. The palpable discomfort that washes over Lee hints at a deeper narrative—a struggle between personal identity and public perception. His insistence that he had not starred in a horror movie for three decades serves not only as a denial but also as a stark reminder of his desire to be recognized for more than just his horror affiliations. By spotlighting such instances, Spira lays bare the complexity of Lee’s career, underscoring a man defined by his craft yet yearning for broader recognition.
While the documentary expertly chronicles Lee’s prolific career—from his military exploits inspiring Ian Fleming to create James Bond to his later iconic roles in the “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings” sagas—it also shines a light on lesser-known facets of his life that shaped him as an artist. For instance, his portrayal of the statesman Muhammad Ali Jinnah in a film of the same name stands out as a notable deviation from his horror-laden filmography, showcasing the breadth of his capabilities. Such portrayals reflect Lee’s willingness to tackle challenging roles, often eschewing the comfort of typecasting.
In addition, the documentary engages with Lee’s personal endeavors, including his surprising foray into heavy metal music. The fascination with his late-life evolution from a horror icon into a celebrated heavy metal artist reveals yet another layer of complexity. These adventures serve to deepen the viewer’s understanding of who Lee was beyond the camera, emphasizing his innovative spirit and zest for life.
As Spira seamlessly ties together Lee’s career highlights, the poignant reflections from industry colleagues—ranging from revered directors like Peter Jackson to actors such as Johnny Depp—offer profound insights. Their recollections not only humanize Lee but present him as an influential figure who forged genuine connections within the industry. The deep camaraderie he shared with fellow actors like Vincent Price and Peter Cushing paints a vivid picture of a life characterized by collaborative creativity, emphasizing the support systems that sustained Lee throughout his substantial career.
Jon Spira’s documentary presents a reimagined narrative, revisiting the life and legacy of Christopher Lee through a lens that is as critical as it is affectionate. By blending fact with fiction and exposing the mechanisms of storytelling, the film encapsulates the essence of a complex figure who battled the constraints of genre and identity with indelible grace. As the curtain draws on Lee’s life, we are left with an array of emotions—a bittersweet recognition of a legendary figure who redefined the very art of performance.