I wondered whether there was a need for a documentary about Richard Harris, who in the 20 years since his death hasn't maintained the almost mythological fame of his fellow hell-raisers Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole (the latter seen here rugby tackling Harris to the ground!) Director Adrian Sibley's achievement is to re-awaken our interest in a great actor (his performance in "This Sporting Life" is timelessly "real") and a unique singer (you try and attempt the range and colour of his performance of "MacArthur Park"). Sibley seems to have been given an open cheque book by Sky to travel everywhere necessary. He talks to all Harris's three sons and their mother (who died earlier this year), Jimmy Webb (writer of "MacArthur Park") and even - gasp! - Russell Crowe, who worked with Harris on "Gladiator". Thanks perhaps to Mum and the Harris boys, there's some great archive including home movies from Harris's childhood. The film is not hagiography. Harris behaved badly and several people speak ruefully about this. He also made a whole slew of minor films, a few with his second wife Ann Turkel, also now almost forgotten. Sibley stitches everything together with great ability. (He's been making films for well over 20 years). My only regret is the lack of his film bits prior to "This Sporting Life." All his other major roles are here including his late career revival as Albus Dumbledore. Sorry, but in my view his replacement, Michael Gambon, didn't have the Harris gravitas.
The Ghost of Richard Harris
(2022)
Surprisingly detailed account of the hell-raiser actor and pop singer
24 October 2022