Love, Cecil

CinemaSerf7/10

Jul 19, 2023

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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.