What The Critics Say

"The challenge of casting well-known personalities such as Blake Edwards, Stanley Kubrick and Britt Ekland are well and truly met. I especially enjoyed John Lithgow's Blake 'I'm calling the shots' Edwards, while Emily Watson generates compassion as the ever-patient first wife Anne, and Charlize Theron's glamorous, ditzy Swedish bombshell is irresistible." Louise Keller URBANCINEFILE "It is also the kind of movie that makes cinema going a rare and welcome pleasure, as an emotional and learning experience, and most importantly, it will have you craving for more of a unique man we will never really know." James Sherlock 3AW-TALKINGMELBOURNE "There are hints early on of a confused man, a bad husband and father capable of wild mood swings and romantic delusions. Yet such intrigue is abandoned once the film begins chronicling Sellers' film success." Richard Jinman THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD "The film is bold, inspired and far from being awestruck by its subject shows its genuine affection by an honest, warts and all portrayal that is underpinned by pathos, an essential flipside of the comedy coin." Andrew L Urban URBANCINEFILE

"Geoffrey Rush works hard to deliver this convoluted, complicated and self destructive comic actor, and succeeds in every emotional, psychological way." Andrew L Urban URBANCINEFILE "It's a wildly demanding role, involving over 40 voices and covering 30 years of emotional havoc and Rush shines brightly." Louise Keller URBANCINEFILE "It’s a film that should be seen on the big screen, where Rush is at his best, his dramatic abilities writ large. If that doesn’t sway you, see it for the heart-wrenchingly beautiful Charlize Theron as Britt Ekland, Sellers' second wife. And if that doesn’t sway you, see it because it’s an example of ambitious, clever writing and directing. Just see it." AntonTrees ITMFILM "... brings Sellers’ most famous characters back to the big screen as the biopic recreates some of the most famous film moments of his career. We see Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau from the Pink Panther series, James Bond from Casino Royale and Dr Strangelove. It is a nice nod to the large body of work that fans appreciated for many years." Joseph Smith CULTURE@HOME

At A Glance Some people may not be happy with what they see in "The Life And Death Of Peter Sellers". Those who believe in sweeping everything under the bed, leaving only the rosey side of a stars life will be bitterly disappointed when it comes to this film. The truth is, there's a hell of a lot in this film which is indeed true. Peter Sellers was not the first actor to suffer because of his brilliance and he won't be the last. It's true that his life in many ways, was a very sad one. It's true his life was one filled with bright times yet always with a dark cloud hanging over his head. It's true too that he did take his frustrations out on his family and that like many tortured stars he suffered from mood swings. While the "The Life And Death Of Peter Sellers" does show glimpses of his life many would consider to be denigrating to the reputation of the deceased Sellers [by sticking the boot into someone who can't defend themself from the grave], there is still an over-riding story of great achievement screaming out over the dark side of comedian Peter Sellers life. The power of these emotional highs and lows; the moments of triumph, the deeply torturous times, the tragedy of death are all captured with such feeling and distinction by the films star performer, Geoffrey Rush who is almost a reincarnation of Sellers. The initial shock of seeing how much Sellers there is in Rush's characterisation is soon forgotten. What is seen onscreen in "The Life And Death Of Peter Sellers" is comfortable to the point that one accepts this is Sellers. That Geoffrey Rush can pull this off so convincingly is testimony to his great wealth of acting ability. His capacity to capture the mannerisms of Peter Sellers is almost spooky. Director Stephen Hopkins knew from the start that Rush was the man to play Sellers. "Geoffrey Rush was my first choice", he said. But Rush had knocked back the role. Turned down the offer. Why? "Just the nature of the script and what it asks of the actor who portrays Peter Sellers,"Rush explained. "I’m portraying a man’s life that is a great reflection of Britain in the ’50s and how Britain changed. He was a man of the times. When his real celebrity was there in the ’70s, he sort of echoed some of the florid madness that was around and our film takes a look inside a creative mind that was in a lot of torment." Luckily, Hopkins didn't give up his quest to get Rush into the part. One again the question is, why? Why Rush? Why not someone else? "Geoffrey has an ability to play characters that are eccentric and much larger than life," Hopkins says, "with, perhaps, a touch of evil or danger about them. Yet he plays them with such style and charm and compassion that you understand where these people are coming from. He has an understanding of the acting craft, very Sellersesque if you will, that allows him to just go in any direction." How did Hopkins get Rush to agree? Hopkins revealed he "courted Rush by writing a long letter and sending him photos of Sellers in various roles and stages of his life to intrigue and seduce Geoffrey into doing the role, and it worked!" As if to repay Hopkins for his persistence, Rush delivered them the ideal person to play Sellers first wife Anne. Rush had wanted "Red Dragon" star Emily Watson to join him on a previous project but she'd turned him down. Now the Academy Award ® winner was appealing to her a second time. "I gave in," says Watson, who was fascinated by the script that "goes very dark and very low but it also has great highs and is surprising." An important factor in the search for those to play the people who made up Sellers life was this, Hopkins and producers Simon Bosanquet & David Z Obadiah were "not looking for photographic carbon copies of the real-life people, but rather, great actors who embodied the essence of those characters." The ensemble who play the characters may not, in real life be look alikes, but on the big screen they are very convincing indeed. Actress Charlize Theron admits she "knew nothing of his personal life or his relationship with Britt Ekland, whom she plays in the film. Reading about her and learning of the five years they spent together was kind of a discovery to me." Then there's the inimitable Stanley Tucci playing legendary director Stanley Kubrick. "He worked with Sellers twice and was one of the only guys that Sellers didn’t abuse," says Tucci. How come? "Because he had great respect for him, and because he feared Kubrick’s intellect." Rush says he first became aware of Peter Sellers while studying at a French theatre mime and movement school. He saw the film, "The Return of the Pink Panther". And what was his impression of the films star? "Sellers was definitely the great contemporary, late twentieth century screen clown," he said. It wasn't an easy task taking on the lead role. Rush would spend months working with voice coach Barbara Berkery learning to master the forty voices Sellers was capable of. On top of that there was the hours spent in makeup each day during shooting. To understand the magnitude of the task ahead for those involved in preparing Rush, here's what was required. Thirty-eight wigs were assembled by designer Veronica Brebner to represent these different aspects of Sellers’ life. Brown contact lenses were inserted, as well as false teeth. A plaster cast of Rush’s head was made and prosthetics and make-up experts, led by Wesley Wofford of Captive Audience Productions and Davey Jones fabricated noses, chins, lips and cheeks using silicon pieces. Rush spent on an average of five hours in make-up/hair every morning, with additional time spent during the day if the shooting schedule called for him to change characters. Trust me when I say; "you will soon believe Rush is Peter Sellers." Geoffrey Rush Poster Parade Peter Sellers Poster Parade Cast & Crew Bytes "The Life & Death Of Peter Sellers" was ........
directed by Stephen Hopkins ["Predator 2", "The Ghost and The Darkness", "Lost In Space" and "Under Suspicion"]; film produced by Simon Bosanquet ["Ripley's Game", "Robinson Crusoe", "Onegin" and "Evelyn"]; opening titles produced by David Z Obadiah ["Human Radio"]; edited by John Smith ["Bitter Cherry", "One Night Stand", "Sliding Doors", "Under Suspicion" and "Proof Of Life"]; casting by Nina Gold ["The Borrowers", "Topsy-Turvy", "Nicholas Nickleby" and "Love's Brother"]; production design by Norman Garwood ["Brazil", "Glory", "Misery", "Lost in Space" and "Entrapment"]; original music by Richard Hartley ["High Fidelity", "Playing God", "Rogue Trader" and "When Brendan Met Trudy"] and cinematography by Peter Levy ["Short Changed", "Predator 2", "Broken Arrow" and "Lost In Space"].
"The Life & Death Of Peter Sellers" stars ........
ACADEMY Award ®, Golden Globe, AFI winner Geoffrey Rush ["Hoodwink", "Shine", "Lantana", "Quills", "Frida" and "Pirates Of The Caribbean"]; ACADEMY Award ® winner Charlize Theron ["Celebrity", "The Italian Job", "Waking Up in Reno" and "Monster"]; SAG Award winner Emily Watson ["Hilary and Jackie", "Gosford Park", "Red Dragon" and "Punch-Drunk Love"]; SAG Award, Golden Globe Award and four time EMMY ® Award winner, John Lithgow ["Terms of Endearment", "The Pelican Brief", "Cliffhanger", "Raising Caine" and "Shrek 2"]; Peter Vaughan ["Village of the Damned", "Straw Dogs", "Zulu Dawn", "Ideal Husband" and "The Mother"]; Sonia Aquino ["L’Italiano", "Il Fratello Minore", "Amici Ahrarara" and "Eden"]; two time Golden Globe Award winner and EMMY ® Award winner Stanley Tucci ["Winchell", "Conspiracy", "Sidewalks of New York", "The Pelican Brief" and "America’s Sweethearts"]; Stephen Fry ["Gosford Park", "Wilde", "Civil Action" and "Le Divorce"]; Steve Pemberton ["Birthday Girl"]; Edward Tudor-Pole ["White Hunter Black Heart", "Tunnel of Love" and "Quills"]; BAFTA AWARD ® winner Miriam Margolyes ["The Age of Innocence", "Little Dorrit", "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Reds"] and Lucy Punch ["Cinderella", "Greenfingers", "Ella Enchanted" and "Being Julia"] as the Stewardess. The Story Peter Sellers longs for more than a radio career. Pushed by his overbearing and manipulative mother Peg, Sellers now tries to break into the film industry. After five unsuccessful attempts he finally cracks a part when he turns up at the casting agents office disguised as a sixty year old war veteran. The role leads to a BAFTA Award and parts in "The Mouse That Roared" and "Two Way Stretch". But Sellers life is one of mental highs and lows. While on the set of "The Millionairess" he falls in love with beautiful Italian actress Sophia Loren. She rejects his advances. He has mood swings and is depressed. In desperation Sellers consults Maurice Woodruff, the fortune teller to the stars. Maurice exploits Sellers loneliness by telling him to pursue young women. Sellers does just that. Then he is offered a real break. Like a prima donna he dismisses the offer until his agent points out that the film will make him a big star in the USA. The star he will replace is Peter Ustinov. The films director is Blake Edwards. The name of the film is, "The Pink Panther". Peter Sellers career is about to truly blossom. But can he handle the success? The Verdict "This really is a tour de force for Geoffrey Rush. Rush is remarkable in the role of Peter Sellers, capturing the stars characteristic style and mannerisms so well that it's easy to believe we are witnessing the famed comedians life flashing before our eyes. But what makes "The Life And Death Of Peter Sellers" such a joy to watch is the support cast. They look like those they are meant to be playing and like Rush, are very convincing. Whether you liked Peter Sellers or not, this is worth seeing for the pure indulgence of watching everyone do their thing, strutting their stuff, collectively creating a genuine cinema experience that really does work. And one I might add will long be talked about. A memorable and recommended experience." The Cast

Geoffrey Rush Charlize Theron Emily Watson John Lithgow Miriam Margolyes Peter Vaughan Sonia Aquino Stanley Tucci Stephen Fry Henry Goodman Alison Steadman Peter Gevisser David Robb Edward Tudor-Pole Steve Pemberton Nigel Havers Mackenzie Crook James Bentley Eliza Darby Lance Ellington Lucy Punch Heidi Klum

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Peter Sellers Britt Ekland Anne Sellers Blake Edwards Peg Sellers Bill Sellers Sophia Loren Stanley Kubrick Maurice Woodruff Dennis Selinger Casting Agent Ted Levy Dr Lyle Wexler Spike Milligan Harry Secombe David Niven Car Salesman Michael Sellers Sarah Sellers Singer/Ray Ellington Lead Stewardess Ursula Andress

The Crew Directed by Stephen Hopkins Adapted from the book by Roger Lewis Produced by Simon Bosanquet & David Z Obadiah Original Music by Richard Hartley Cinematography by Peter Levy Film Editing by John Smith Casting by Nina Gold Production Design by Norman Garwood Art Direction by John Ralph & Lucy Richardson Executive in Charge of Production Keri Putnam Special Makeup Effects Artists Greg Cannom and Wesley Wofford Set Decoration by Maggie Gray Costume Design by Jill Taylor Rated M15+ [AUST] Run Time 128 minutes Copyright © 2004 - Icon Distribution - All Rights Reserved Copyright Protected © 2004 - Impact Internet Services - All Rights Reserved