The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee is a brilliantly crafted documentary that takes you through the astonishing life of one of cinema’s most enduring figures. Directed by Jon Spira, it blends archival footage, puppetry, animation, and interviews to tell the story of Christopher Lee—a man who was much more than Dracula or Saruman. His life reads like an adventure novel: aristocratic Italian roots, ties to Ian Fleming, wartime heroics, Nazi hunting, and even a late-life stint as a heavy metal singer.
Full disclosure: I wasn’t able to finish the entire film. Between juggling work, two kids, and a packed schedule, I reached out to the producer for access to the final portion, only to receive a snarky response. It was frustrating—especially since I was genuinely eager to complete it. That interaction nearly made me reconsider writing this review, but I’ll focus on the film itself and set aside the unfortunate exchange.
What I did manage to watch was incredibly well done. The film offers a whirlwind tour of Lee’s many roles, from his iconic work with Hammer Films to unforgettable performances in The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. It also dives into his military service, which included Nazi hunting, and his later-life reinvention as a heavy metal singer. The documentary strikes a balance between exploring Lee’s cinematic persona and the man behind the legend, revealing a complex figure who maintained an incredible zest for life.
Stylistically, the film is a treat. The use of a Christopher Lee puppet as a host is a quirky, fun touch that reminded me of Terry Gilliam’s style, adding charm to the material. Even during the slower sections, the documentary’s creative approach keeps things interesting. There are also great interviews with friends and collaborators like Joe Dante, John Landis, and Peter Jackson. Listening to John Landis joke about whether Lee killed people in the war adds an odd yet amusing layer to the actor’s legacy. If you know you know.
One section I particularly enjoyed was the deep dive into Lee’s Hammer Films era. While I knew a bit about his work there, the documentary provided more insight into how these roles shaped him as an actor. At times, though, it felt like watching a documentary on a band where you want to pause and go listen to their music. In this case, I was tempted to stop the film and start a Hammer horror marathon.
Ultimately, I was left frustrated—not just because I couldn't finish the film, but because it was so compelling that I wanted to see how it all wrapped up. While the producer’s dismissive attitude didn’t help, the documentary itself is excellent and worth watching. If you’re a fan of Christopher Lee or simply love well-made documentaries, The Life and Deaths of Christopher Lee will likely hit the mark.
That said, it’s screening at other festivals, and maybe one day I’ll find the time to finish it—just not sure if I’ll be asking the producer for help again. If this film sounds like your kind of thing, it probably is. Just know that it's a fascinating glimpse into a man whose legacy spans far beyond the hundreds of on-screen deaths he’s known for.
Jessie Hobson