If you’re a new fan to the work of actor Ian McKellen, but have only seen his recent work, then I recommend expanding your viewing experiences a little wider. Most of you recognize McKellen as Gandalf from “The Lord of the Ring” series, or Magneto from both “X-Men” films. Watching him in these roles, and watching how he takes these over-the-top characters and breathes life into them with a quiet and gentle reserve. He is a master actor whose career deserves more of a look than just these films. Though he’s been acting on TV and in films since the 1960s, he made American audiences stand up and take notice with his performance as Richard III in the 1995 film of the same name. Then again in 1998 portraying film director James Whale in the superlative “Gods and Monsters” opposite Brendan Fraser. But over the years he has delivered terrific performances in lesser-known films. One in particular, “Loving Walter”, showcases his talent for subtlety in creating a character.

With little more than a glance, McKellen has the ability to speak volumes. And in this 1982 British telefilm, you’ll find evidence of this fact.

Directed by Stephen Frears (“The Grifters”, “High Fidelity”), “Loving Walter” (which is also known as “Walter” and “Walter and June”), is a story of a mentally challenged man who strives to survive in the world. When his parents pass away however, he finds that he cannot contend with the harsh realities of life, the only choice being to give himself up to a psychiatric hospital for care.

The film is often bleak, and at times frightening. The hospital, as you might imagine is horrible. But Walter isn’t one to give up. Through his time spent under lock and key he continues to find a way to survive and perhaps even one day, live outside the confines of the hospital.

“Loving Walter” isn’t an easy film to watch. It starts out a little slow, but as the grim reality sets in as to what Walter is going to go through it picks up the pace. McKellen’s performance, as I mentioned before is spectacular. But the film is not his alone. It also stars Sarah Miles (“Accidental Detective”, “Hope and Glory”) and Jim Broadbent (“Moulin Rouge”, “Iris”), whom also turn in excellent performances.

I strongly recommend this film as a great example of Ian McKellen’s earlier work, and BFS Entertainment has just released it on DVD. Plus, the DVD also includes some really nice extras in the way of interviews with McKellen, Frears and writer David Cook. The one with McKellen runs a little over twenty minutes, Frears comes in at around six minutes, and Cook’s about thirteen. All three are brand new interviews and add heavily to the value of this DVD release.

There is also a text history of some of the futile attempts that have been made by man to treat the mentally ill. I found this to be quite an interesting read, though many of the ‘cures’ I was already somewhat familiar with.

The DVD for “Loving Walter” is certainly worthwhile. Some people may be put off by its ‘made-for-TV’ status and for that reason decide not to watch it. But we all know where they need to check into… don’t we?

Directed by: Stephen Frears
Starring: Ian McKellen, Barbara Jefford, Sarah Miles, Jim Broadbent
Extras: Interview with Ian McKellen, Stephen Frears, and writer David Cook, Biographies, Selected Filmographies, Futile Treatments of the Mentally Ill
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: BFS
Release Date: 12/2/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Loving Walter an A.