Filmworker

Two great men—one a filmmaking giant whose name has practically become an adjective, and one a "filmworker" whose name you've probably never heard of—have their inspired works and relationship examined in this illuminating documentary. After starring as the memorable Lord Bullingdon in Stanley Kubrick’s 1975 film Barry Lyndon, Leon Vitali abandoned his burgeoning acting career to be in service of the reclusive filmmaker. The Igor to Kubrick’s Dr. Frankenstein, Leon took on roles from gofer to casting director to sound design to acting coach, writing copious notes for Kubrick on every aspect of production, and working tirelessly at all hours of the day and night. In Filmworker, Vitali finally receives long overdue recognition for his efforts; he not only found Danny Lloyd to play the young boy in The Shining, but also discovered the iconic twins who weren't even in the original script. Even after Kubrick’s death Vitali continued his efforts to preserve the filmmaker’s high standards for his theatrical and video releases, at excessive cost to both his health and personal life. With unprecedented insight into Kubrick’s creative process, including previously unseen footage and photographs, this riveting exploration of obsession is both a cinephile's dream and a universal portrait of a man's devotion. IN PERSON: Director Tony Zierra and subject Leon Vitali.