Watch I Am Your Father

I Am Your Father is a documentary film that takes the viewer on a journey through the life and career of David Prowse, the man who donned the iconic Darth Vader costume in the original Star Wars trilogy. The film follows Prowse's story from his early days as a bodybuilder and actor, to his role in Star Wars, and the subsequent fallout with Lucasfilm that left Prowse feeling ostracized from the franchise.

The film is directed by Marcos Cabotá and Toni Bestard and features interviews with Prowse's friends, family, and fellow actors, including Colm Meaney, Lou Ferrigno, and Julian Owen. Through these interviews and archival footage, the film paints a portrait of Prowse as a dedicated actor and devoted family man who worked hard to achieve his dreams.

The film explores the challenges and controversies that Prowse faced throughout his career. One of the most significant controversies was his involvement in Star Wars. Prowse played the physical role of Darth Vader but was replaced by James Earl Jones for the character's iconic voice. This decision left Prowse feeling bitter and excluded from the Star Wars community, which was further compounded when he was banned from official Star Wars events after leaking information about the franchise.

Despite these setbacks, the film highlights Prowse's incredible resilience and determination. He continued to work in the entertainment industry and remained a devoted husband and father. The film also showcases the impact that Prowse had on the Star Wars community, including his work with children and charity organizations.

One of the film's strengths is the way it presents Prowse's story as a human one, rather than simply as the story of a Star Wars actor. The film delves deeply into his personal life, exploring his experiences as a father, husband, and friend. Through these intimate moments, the viewer gains a deeper understanding of both Prowse's success as an actor and the challenges he faced in his personal life.

Another notable aspect of the film is the way it explores the relationship between Prowse and the Star Wars franchise. The filmmakers provide a nuanced approach to this complex topic, balancing Prowse's emotions with the context of the franchise's history. The film also explores the tension between Prowse and George Lucas, with both sides presenting their perspectives on what led to their falling out.

Overall, I Am Your Father is an engaging and thoughtful documentary that tells the story of a man who made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. The film presents an intimate portrait of David Prowse, exploring his successes, challenges, and the unique relationship he had with the Star Wars franchise. With its honest approach and in-depth exploration of Prowse's life, the film is a must-see for Star Wars fans and film lovers alike.

I Am Your Father is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.