Watch In From The Cold? A Portrait Of Richard Burton

In From The Cold? A Portrait Of Richard Burton is a documentary film that explores the life, career, and legacy of the legendary Welsh actor, Richard Burton. The film is directed by Clare Beavan and narrated by Burton himself, using recordings he made before his death in 1984. The film begins by tracing Burton's early life in a small mining town in South Wales, and his unlikely rise to stardom as one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation. Burton's distinctive voice and commanding stage presence were evident from an early age, and he quickly established himself as a leading figure in the British theatre scene of the 1950s.

From there, In From The Cold? delves deeper into the various phases of Burton's career, exploring his work on stage, on screen, and in the recording studio. The film includes interviews with many of Burton's collaborators and contemporaries, such as Lauren Bacall, John Gielgud, and Elizabeth Taylor, as they reflect on his unique talents and larger-than-life personality.

Throughout the film, Burton's complex relationships with women are a recurring theme. His tumultuous marriage to Elizabeth Taylor, whom he met on the set of Cleopatra in 1963, is explored in depth, as is his earlier marriage to Welsh actress Sybil Williams. The film also touches on Burton's numerous affairs and his struggles with alcoholism, which plagued him for much of his adult life.

Despite his personal demons, Burton remained a consummate professional and a true artist until the end of his career. The film explores his iconic performances in films such as Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Becket, as well as his often-overlooked work as a voice actor and narrator.

One of the most compelling aspects of In From The Cold? is the way it allows Burton to speak for himself, through the use of his own recorded interviews and reflections. As the film progresses, we gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth, as Burton shares his own thoughts on his career and his place in the world.

Ultimately, In From The Cold? is both a celebration of Burton's incredible legacy and a poignant exploration of his all-too-human struggles. Through its combination of archival footage, interviews, and Burton's own words, the film offers a unique and intimate portrait of one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.

In From The Cold? A Portrait Of Richard Burton is a 1988 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute.