Love, Cecil
Love, Cecil

Love, Cecil

2017Movie98 minEnglish

A documentary about Academy Award-winning costume designer Cecil Beaton. A respected photographer, artist, and set designer, Beaton was best known for designing on award-winning films such as 'Gigi' (1958) and 'My Fair Lady' (1964). The film features archive footage and interviews with a number of models, artists, and filmmakers who worked closely with Beaton during his illustrious career.

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Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes77%
Metacritic63/100
Google Users85%
Director: Donal FarberGenres: Documentary, Biography, History

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the extraordinary life and career of Cecil Beaton, the celebrated photographer, designer, and diarist. Through archival footage, photographs, and personal writings, the film explores his complex relationships, his artistic evolution, and his unique perspective on the 20th century's most defining moments. It reveals the man behind the lens, navigating fame, love, and loss with characteristic flair.

Critical Reception

Love, Cecil received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its insightful portrayal of a fascinating and multifaceted artist. The film was lauded for its rich use of archival material and its compelling narrative, offering a comprehensive look at Beaton's influential career and personal life. Audiences appreciated the intimate glimpse into the world of a cultural icon.

What Reviewers Say

  • A richly detailed and visually engaging portrait of a pivotal 20th-century artist.
  • Effectively captures Beaton's multifaceted talents and his complex personal life.
  • The documentary's strength lies in its extensive use of Beaton's own diaries and photographs.

Google audience: Viewers found 'Love, Cecil' to be a captivating and well-researched documentary that offers a deep dive into the life of Cecil Beaton. Many appreciated the extensive use of his personal archives, which brought his story to life. The film was described as informative and beautifully crafted, providing a comprehensive understanding of his artistic contributions and personal journey.

Fun Fact

Cecil Beaton's diary entries were often witty, candid, and sometimes cutting, providing a unique and often scandalous chronicle of the social and artistic circles he moved in, including observations on royalty, celebrities, and fellow artists.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

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...