Lean's Epic Career: A Life of Film and Fire

Barnaby Thompson's documentary provides an exhilarating exploration of the celebrated director David Lean's peerless career and complex personal life. The film highlights Lean's bold directorial style, often compared to military leaders, and his mastery over challenging film productions.

While acknowledging Lean's reputation for being temperamental on set, the documentary also presents his charming public persona through interviews. It suggests that Lean's personal life, marked by numerous marriages and relationships, deeply influenced the romantic and infidelity themes prevalent in his iconic films.

Starting as an editor, Lean rose to direct acclaimed films like "Brief Encounter" and "Great Expectations." He later embraced large-scale epics such as "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and "Lawrence of Arabia," often filming on location internationally, which sometimes necessitated becoming a tax exile.

Despite commercial success, Lean faced critical backlash later in his career, notably with "Ryan's Daughter." His final film, "A Passage to India," received rapturous reviews, though questions have arisen regarding casting choices. The documentary captures the thrilling pace of Lean's eventful life.