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Filmworker

Play trailer 2:26 Poster for Filmworker Released May 11, 2018 1h 34m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 87 Reviews 84% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
The story of Leon Vitali, who surrendered his promising acting career to become Stanley Kubrick's devoted right-hand man.
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Filmworker

Filmworker

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Critics Consensus

Filmworker offers long-overdue recognition to one of Stanley Kubrick's key collaborators while opening an often troubling window into the director's demanding work.

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Critics Reviews

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J. R. Jones Chicago Reader There's plenty of production detail for Kubrick nuts, though the two competing narratives (Kubrick the genius, Kubrick the tyrant) won't surprise anyone. Mar 5, 2020 Full Review Robert Daniels 812filmreviews If there is a cult around Kubrick, Vitali was the first card carrying member. Rated: 3/4 Aug 27, 2018 Full Review Richard Whittaker Austin Chronicle That's where the greatest qualms may come in this stylish and sometimes overly reverential portrait: It's as if Vitali never really existed without the director. Rated: 3/5 Jul 12, 2018 Full Review Bianca Garner Filmotomy If you're a Kubrick fan then you must see this film, but even if you're not a fan of Kubrick's work then it is still a rewarding experience... Oct 11, 2024 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Perhaps best of all, the documentary, while probing its subject and offering a unique glimpse into a behind-the-scenes figure, celebrates such "below the line" crewmembers. Rated: 3.5/4 Mar 11, 2022 Full Review Kathy Fennessy Video Librarian Magazine Though some reviews have described Filmworker as a tragedy, it's clear that the 72-year-old Vitali has few regrets, and there's no doubt that Kubrick's indelible work wouldn't have been quite the same without his dedicated assistance. Rated: 3/4 Jun 25, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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isla s I found this a very insightful watch - I certainly respect the man, now im aware of all the work he's done for Kubrick and it seems a real shame he wasn't better known. It made me see Kubrick's films from a different angle - seeing things how Leon saw them. I find it interesting from the technical side of film making to the personal history side of things between Leon Vitali and Stanley Kubrick. It certainly makes it clear how much Vitali respected Kurbrick and his work before he had an opportunity to be noticed by him. However, I felt there was a slightly unnecessary cheesiness present towards the end, which was a shame. Still, I would happily recommend this documentary overall. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Filmworker is a wonderful documentary about one man's dedication to a man and to art. Few have done nor would ever do what Leon Vitali has and all with a sad devotion while remaining ever so humble. One day I hope Leon is universally recognized not only for being an essential part in all of Kubrick's films since Barry Lyndon, but also as someone who none of those films would have ever been completed without. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/22/21 Full Review phillip w Leon Vitale comes across as such a humble person. A brilliant actor who became something else. His is an interesting story. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member A deeply touching monument of an obsessively dedicated man who became the victim of his own unresolved past. I wept like a little child. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review david f A very interesting documentary about an assistant who spent his career working for Stanley Kubrick. There are some interesting behind-the-scenes observations but it does seem like a lot of the work he did was drudgery which, while it aided in the production of cinematic masterpieces, isn't that interesting to hear re-told. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Any Kubrick fan will already know Leon Vitali's name. He started his association as a good-looking young actor playing Ryan O'Neal's stepson in Barry Lyndon, but then became Kubrick's gofer and factotum up to and after Kubrick's death. This fascinating documentary, stuffed with clips and interviews, shows the very real cost of subsuming oneself on the altar of art or the service of 'genius'. Vitali is a shell of who he was, and the psychology of his sacrifice is what this excellent documentary is ultimately about. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis The story of Leon Vitali, who surrendered his promising acting career to become Stanley Kubrick's devoted right-hand man.
Director
Tony Zierra
Producer
Elizabeth Yoffe, Tony Zierra
Distributor
Kino Lorber
Production Co
True Studio Media
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 11, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 14, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$102.6K
Runtime
1h 34m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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