Review by John Larkin
As actor Leon Vitali recounts in the documentary FILMWORKER, his life was profoundly altered after his first viewing of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. Awestruck by the film, Vitali declared with conviction, “I want to work for that man.” This proclamation became a self-fulfilling prophecy, setting the stage for a unique and extraordinary career.
Uncovering a story as singular as the one presented is truly rare. This documentary follows the remarkable journey of Leon Vitali, a British actor whose admiration and loyalty to Stanley Kubrick profoundly shaped his life. At the time, Vitali was a promising young actor in England with a moderately successful career when he first encountered Kubrick during his audition for BARRY LYNDON. He secured the pivotal role of Lord Bullingdon, Barry Lyndon’s resentful stepson, and during the film’s production, became captivated by Kubrick’s meticulous process. This fascination, coupled with the deep respect he already held for Kubrick’s genius, inspired Vitali to abandon his acting career and dedicate himself fully to the role of Kubrick’s personal assistant.
Vitali was no ordinary assistant. He became, in many ways, an extension of Kubrick’s psyche and artistic perfectionism. His duties extended far beyond traditional assistance—he worked tirelessly, sometimes 24 hours a day, seven days a week, attending to every detail of Kubrick’s professional and personal life. From taking notes and overseeing color grading to casting and even cleaning rooms in Kubrick’s home, Vitali’s responsibilities knew no bounds.
At first glance, their relationship might seem akin to a master-slave dynamic. However, as the film unfolds and we hear more from Vitali himself, it becomes clear that his devotion stemmed from genuine admiration and a deep sense of honor in working alongside a director he considered a genius. Vitali’s passion and commitment were not born of coercion but of an earnest desire to contribute to Kubrick’s vision, no matter the cost to himself or even his family.
The film features candid interviews with Vitali's now-grown children, who reflect on the challenges of having a father so wholly devoted to his work. They express regret over his absence during much of their childhood, a sacrifice driven by his tireless dedication to Kubrick's projects. Vitali himself recounts the complexity of Kubrick’s personality, describing a man who could be warm, supportive, and empowering one moment, yet unrelentingly critical and harsh the next. In one particularly humorous anecdote, Vitali recalls an incident where Kubrick erupted into a screaming fit over a minor oversight, only to immediately hand him a bundle of Christmas presents moments later. However, the respite was short-lived—Kubrick called him the very next day to resume his tirade.
Despite the director’s erratic moods and unpredictable nature, Vitali exhibited a remarkable ability to navigate and endure these emotional swings, a testament to his steadfast temperament and deep commitment to Kubrick's vision. When FILMWORKER was completed in 2017, Vitali was already immersed in another labor of love: assisting with the 4K restoration of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. Tragically, he passed away in August 2022, but the care and meticulousness he devoted to preserving Kubrick’s legacy continue to resonate. His efforts ensured that Kubrick’s work would endure for future generations, a testament to Vitali’s unwavering dedication.
FILMWORKER is a heartfelt and inspiring portrait of an individual who chose an unorthodox and often grueling path, driven by a rare passion for art and collaboration. It reveals the profound fulfillment Vitali found in his work—a level of devotion and purpose that few people ever achieve. This documentary is a tribute not only to Stanley Kubrick’s genius but also to the quiet, unrelenting contributions of a man who sacrificed so much to help bring that genius to life.
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