Watch Filmworker

"Filmworker" is a 2017 documentary film by director Tony Zierra that tells the captivating and inspiring story of Leon Vitali, a man who dedicated his life to assisting legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. The film features interviews with Vitali, as well as other key figures in the world of moviemaking, and offers a fascinating inside look at the process of filmmaking and the unique and often grueling world of film production.

The documentary explores Vitali's life before and after he became Kubrick's assistant, delving into his early career as an actor in England and his decision to leave that life behind in order to work with Kubrick. The film also examines the grueling production process of some of Kubrick's most iconic films, and the countless tasks and responsibilities that Vitali had to take on in order to keep those films on schedule.

Through interviews with friends, family, and colleagues, "Filmworker" paints a compelling portrait of Vitali as a man who was utterly devoted to his craft and to the genius of Stanley Kubrick. In addition to the many behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the workings of the film industry, the documentary also explores the personal relationships that developed between Vitali and both Kubrick and his family, and how those relationships affected Vitali's life and the direction of his career.

Throughout the film, viewers are given a sense of the incredible attention to detail and meticulousness that went into every aspect of a Kubrick film, and the significant role that Vitali played in bringing those visions to life. From casting and rehearsing actors to scouting locations and handling difficult personalities, Vitali was responsible for handling a wide range of tasks, giving him a unique and intimate perspective on the art of filmmaking.

The documentary also features interviews with actors who worked with Kubrick, including Ryan O'Neal, who starred in Kubrick's final film "Eyes Wide Shut", and Brian Capron, who worked as an extra on "Full Metal Jacket". Their accounts of working with Kubrick and of their observations of Vitali provide valuable insights into the often intense and demanding atmosphere on the set of a Kubrick film.

The theme of devotion is woven throughout "Filmworker", as Vitali's dedication to Kubrick and his vision is contrasted with the challenges that he faced in his personal and professional life. Vitali's story is one of sacrifice and perseverance, as he continued to support and promote Kubrick's films long after the director had passed away. Through it all, Vitali remains a humble and dedicated artist, fully committed to the filmmaking process and the legacy of Stanley Kubrick.

Overall, "Filmworker" is an insightful and moving documentary that sheds light on a little-known aspect of the filmmaking process, while also celebrating the hard work and dedication of a truly exceptional artist. Whether you are a fan of Stanley Kubrick or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of film production, this is a documentary that is not to be missed.

Filmworker is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 73.