Ian McKellen is “magnificent” in James Kent’s brilliant Lowry documentary
Many congratulations to Stern & Wild filmmaker James Kent on a fantastic set of reviews for his wonderful Arena documentary LS LOWRY: THE UNHEARD TAPES which premiered on BBC Two last week.
Commissioned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of LS Lowry’s death, the 60-minute film features newly discovered audio tapes recorded with the ‘matchstick men’ painter during the final four years of his life by young fan, Angela Barratt. The tapes uncover much about the artist’s life story and his views on the dramatic transformation of Salford and Greater Manchester over the course of his lifetime. Lowry’s real voice is lip-synced for the production by Lord of the Rings star Ian McKellen with Annabel Smith channelling Barratt. In addition to the mesmerising dramatised scenes, the film includes archive material and commentary from biographers, critics and curators.
James Kent is Drama Director on the film, with Peter Sweasey as Director. It is a Wall to Wall Media production for BBC Arena. It was commissioned by Suzy Klein, Head of Arts and Classical Music at the BBC, and BBC Arts Commissioning Editor, Mark Bell; Morgana Pugh is Exec Producer and Hannah Mirsky is Producer. The film is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
“Having Ian McKellen play Lowry — in scenes depicting the eightysomething artist’s interview with a young admirer, Angela Barratt, in his living room — was a coup in itself. But having him lip-sync the audio of Lowry’s voice made you lean forward in a way that is rare for an arts documentary. These were their actual voices: hers high and curious; his rough, gradually letting light in on his soul.
“… After this wholly engrossing hour, an undeniable itch to seek out his paintings, to once again take in those visions of matchstick men, was undeniable.”
James Jackson, The Times ★★★★★
“McKellen’s Lowry is a thing of bleak and beautiful northern wonder, all obfuscating harrumphs and carefully placed blows on his hankie. ‘Were you often by yourself?’ asks Barratt. Lowry: ‘I like it like that, yeah … I like it like that now.’ Pause, yawn, sniff, nose wipe – all exquisitely timed. The interviews are filled with revelation, beauty, and a distinctly northern self-effacing tenderness.”
Chitra Ramaswamy, The Guardian ★★★★
“[The] tension between yesterday and today made the tapes fascinating. They were brought alive by Sir Ian McKellen, speaking the lines in perfect synch as the original audio played. McKellen's timing on every growl, cough, tut and yawn was magnificent.”
Image: BBC/Wall to Wall Media/Connor Harris