Never Apologize
2007
The documentary of Malcolm McDowell's celebration of Lindsay Anderson, their times and their colleagues, is a unique hybrid of film, theater and literature. Directed by Mike Kaplan, whose friendship with McDowell began on Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange and who produced Anderson's last feature film, The Whales Of August .. Read more
| Starring | Malcolm McDowell, Lindsay Anderson, Alan Bates, Bette Davis |
|---|---|
| Director | Mike E. Kaplan |
| Genres | Documentary, Documentary |
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Never Apologize
The documentary of Malcolm McDowell's celebration of Lindsay Anderson, their times and their colleagues, is a unique hybrid of film, theater and literature.
Directed by Mike Kaplan, whose friendship with McDowell began on Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange and who produced Anderson's last feature film, The Whales Of August (1987), Never Apologize combines McDowell's personal reminiscences with his readings of pieces written by and about his friend and mentor. These are brought to life by the actor's often hilarious and moving impressions of not only the provocative Anderson, but also the notables in their circle, including Alan Bates, Bette Davis, John Ford, John Gielgud, Lillian Gish, Richard Harris, Laurence Olivier and Rachel Roberts. We visit a group of colorful personalities and witness the cultural, social and political climate of the period.
| Starring | Malcolm McDowell, Lindsay Anderson, Alan Bates, Bette Davis, Bette Davis, John Ford, John Gielgud, Lillian Gish, Richard Harris, Christine Noonan, Laurence Olivier, Alan Price, Rachel Roberts |
|---|---|
| Director | Mike E. Kaplan |
| Studio | DRAKES AVENUE PICTURES |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 51 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Documentary, Documentary |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 27 Oct 2008 Production year: 2007 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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A film that grips for every one of it's 111 minutes
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Gossipy, articulate and fun
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Most helpful member's review
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6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
A good dinner party gossip
NEVER APOLOGISE is a recording of a one man show - or talk, if you prefer - that the actor Malcolm McDowell performed in America recently on the subject of his mentor the director Lindsay Anderson. It's released here in a (at times slightly blocky) digital transfer.
I approached this slightly apprehensively. I'm not a huge fan of luvvie reminiscences, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I am a fan of Anderson's work and I hoped to get some insight into his films.
And I did - at least to a certain extent. McDowell can't really tell you much about the technical aspects or about the significance of Anderson's work but he is a fund of anecdotes and he does a reasonable impersonation of famous people such as Gielgud, Alan Bates, Bette Davis and Anderson himself. The most touching stories he tells are about Rachel Roberts, the talented but self-destructive actress who starred in THIS SPORTING LIFE and crops up in the Mick Travis trilogy.
The tone is often reverential - perhaps too much so. Because he was playing to an American audience, a lot has to be spelled out for them and McDowell can come across as patronising at times but occasionally he seems to forget himself and becomes a bit naughty - these were definitely the most entertaining moments.
At its best then: this is like going to a particularly good dinner party and catching some gossip from the inner circle of the 60's arts and film scene - or like a 'live' version of an above average DVD commentary. -
Most recent members' review
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[Highly rated reviewer]
Never Apologize
I'd be hesitant to call this cinematic as it's essentially just a filmed talk from Malcolm McDowell about Lindsey Anderson but it is gripping, charming, witty and moving.
Recommended, especially for those who loved 'If...' and 'O Lucky Man!'.
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- standardman from Littleborough
- Posted 18 Aug 2009 19:19
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