Many of Stanley Kubrick’s films are regarded as masterpieces of directing, but much of what he did wouldn’t have been possible without the help of his right-hand man, Leon Vitali.
Tony Zierra’s Filmworker tells Vitali’s story in great detail, documenting what it was like to work for the legendary director for many decades.
Starting out as an actor, Vitali’s story begins with him landing a large part in Kubrick’s period drama Barry Lyndon. Leon fell in love with the film-making process, and, at a time where his career was looking full of promise, he decided to give it all up to fully devote himself to Kubrick’s films.
Though Kubrick could be cruel, and made a habit of pushing his employees to breaking point, Vitali, to this day, is filled with praise and admiration for his old boss. Though he went largely uncelebrated, Leon worked 15-hour days as a casting agent, producer, accountant, assistant director and actor among many other things. Kubrick even asked him to put down his sick cat with a shotgun (here at least, he disobeyed the boss and called a vet).
It’s rare to find a person willing to become a disciple, and spend their whole career following someone and carrying out every command – and that’s part of what makes this film so interesting.
Interviews with other actors and people who worked with Kubrick and Vitali also provide a fantastic insight into what others thought of the relationship between the two.
Overall, this film is an excellent look into the life of a man who spent most of his career in the background, yet was vital to the success of many of Kubrick’s greatest films.
Bill Blake (13)
Filmworker
Sydney Film Festival