McKellen: Playing the Part

This appealing documentary focuses on Sir Ian McKellen, the veteran thespian who's a leading Shakespearean actor to one generation of audiences, and pop culture characters Gandalf and Magneto to another. The film traces McKellen's 50-year stage and screen career, with dramatised scenes depicting key moments in his life, including his growing up gay in a world that wasn't yet ready openly to accept it, and his grudging acceptance of celebrity status. It's all curated with waspish wit and gossipy good cheer by McKellen himself. Patently, this is primarily a film for fans of the man. But it's rather more than a routine, no-frills documentary, and should attract fans of cinema and its celebrities in general.