McKellen: Playing the Part (2018)

On Saturday, June 23, 2018 as part of the Talks and Screenings at the Folger, the Folger hosted a screening of McKellen: Playing the Part, a documentary about the life and career of actor Sir Ian McKellen. The film was directed by Joe Stephenson.

Built around a 14 hour interview, Playing the Part uncovers Ian McKellen's story. From his upbringing living through the war, working through repertory and West End theatre becoming a pioneering stage star, coming out and being a leader in the campaign for equality, to his mainstream film breakouts as Magneto and Gandalf. His work and influence transcends generations, celebrated here in this fully authorized insight.

McKellen: Playing the Part features unprecedented access to private photo albums, a wealth of never-before-seen archival material, including diaries written when he was 12, and unseen behind the scenes of theatre shows and films, alongside his personal thoughts on a life long lived.

Learn more about the production on IMDB.