Filmworker May 2026

Critics frequently describe the film as a "dark meditation" on the cost of supporting a legendary artist. It captures how Vitali was "subsumed" by Kubrick’s perfectionism, performing everything from casting and color correction to menial tasks like monitoring dying pets.

A "proper review" of the 2017 documentary reveals a fascinating, yet often heartbreaking, exploration of the fine line between artistic devotion and extreme obsession. Directed by Tony Zierra , the film centers on Leon Vitali , a promising British actor who famously played Lord Bullingdon in Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon before abandoning his own acting career to become Kubrick’s 24/7 "jack-of-all-trades" assistant for over 20 years. Core Themes & Critical Reception Filmworker

Many reviews, including those from Rolling Stone , highlight the "lopsided balance of power" in their relationship. While Vitali maintains he has no regrets, the film raises unsettling questions about whether his devotion was a choice or a form of "Stockholm Syndrome". Critics frequently describe the film as a "dark