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One of the most controversial productions in the world is now available on streaming. Max: Kevin Spacey – The Untold Story (Spacey Unmasked, 2024). Divided into two parts, the work presents shocking stories never before recorded about the behind-the-scenes life of the two-time Oscar-winning actor. See the review:
History
Oscar Winner for Best Actor for American Beauty (2000) and Best Supporting Actor for The suspects (1995), Kevin Spacey is known as one of the biggest stars Hollywood cinema has ever seen. Respected and respected by the industry and the public, especially at the beginning of the first decade of this century, the actor saw his career go downhill when he began to suffer the first accusations of sexual harassment.
On July 26, 2023, Kevin Spacey was cleared of all nine charges he had faced in court, including sexual abuse. At the time, the actor was on trial at Southwark Crown Court, in the city of London, England, after being named by four men as responsible for abuse that allegedly took place between 2001 and 2013.
In total, the charges included both indecent and sexual assault, as well as a more serious offense in which he allegedly caused a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without their consent. If he were found guilty, Spacey could even face a life sentence. But his acquittal happened, to the disbelief of those who said they were waiting for justice. Kevin even cried after the judge announced the verdict in the case.
However, anyone who thought that the professional would get rid of this issue so 'easy' was wrong. Max's new documentary presents no less than ten completely exclusive reports from people who say they have already suffered harassment from the movie star or who witnessed part of his life, revealing facts never before discovered.
Cast
As it is a documentary, the production does not have a cast as such, at least not with actors. Because it bears the name of the work, it is clear that the subject of the entire production is the life and stories told about situations involving Kevin Spacey. The episodes bring together people, including film and communication professionals, and those close to the man who is the main theme.
However, there is no denying that the guests' reports steal the show from the production. From actors at the beginning of their careers, to employees of events in which Spacey participated, they are called to give their testimonies about the biggest atrocities committed by the movie star.
The big star in this case goes to the professionals who worked behind the cameras. The documentary required extensive investigative work, firstly to identify the people who went through the events and secondly to bring them together in a very daring and audacious project. Responsible for direction, Kira Phillips presents a cohesive work to organize the entire pile of information available to the public.
Another big highlight is Colin Moxon. After delivering interesting work in The Sidemen Show (2018) and Tyson Fury: The Gypsy King (2020), the professional demonstrates his skills in this documentary by Max. The editing is one of the main strengths of the “miniseries”, giving a very dynamic aspect to what is shown on stage.
main highlights
The highlight of the documentary is its structure. To present a story full of stories and moments as strong as those mentioned throughout the production, it would be necessary to organize everything in a very cohesive way, allowing the facts to intertwine and give the work a sense of indictment. After all, there are several cases, one more absurd than the other, that lead the public to experience feelings of repulsion and aversion, the same as those who went through the experiences.
As the interviewees or even the topic that will be covered changes, it is first informed in which year the event took place. In this way, it becomes possible to compare the actor's own public statements, especially those used in moments of glory in his career, masking what was happening behind the scenes in his life.
Before watching the work, there was a fear that the production might be a bit of a blank slate, or that it might paint a certain picture of Kevin Spacey's story, but it didn't. Quite the opposite. The two episodes are designed precisely to expose information and events that remained in the dark for many years, in a completely unfair way.
It is important to highlight that at no point does Kevin Spacey have the opportunity to defend himself or give his version of the facts reported. However, this seems to have been the intention of those responsible for Max's new release, to show a side of the actor that he himself always tried to hide.
Technical aspects
The technical part of production is definitely a highlight to take into consideration. The way the facts are revealed, little by little, one at a time, in a dramatic way, manages to convince the viewer of how unbelievable it all is. In its role of awakening public outrage over issues of sexual abuse and harassment, the documentary hits the nail on the head. It is impossible for you to leave the project in the same way you entered.
In many moments, the production uses the interviewees' speeches, the moments of silence in the environment after the revelation of something disgusting, the meticulously selected records from archives and a dense soundtrack to place those watching directly into the situation.
Every moment, while watching, you wonder how this could happen or how this never came to light before. But soon comes the answer, as the episodes remind you of how big Kevin Spacey's name is and how the victims felt scared or even guilty about what happened to them.
Conclusion
It's not easy to watch Kevin Spacey – The Untold Story. If you make this commitment from the sofa at home, you should know very well what you are getting into, as it is impossible not to feel uncomfortable with the reports presented by people who claim to have been sexually abused by the movie star, winner of two Oscars. It's one of Max's best and strongest releases in recent months, which demonstrates at all times that it knows exactly what it's doing and what it wants with it.
If many believed that the controversies surrounding the actor would cease after his acquittal in July 2023, you can be sure that now Spacey will have to fight an uphill battle to discredit the statements made in this work. In an official statement shortly after the production's launch, Kevin expressed his position, saying that he did not have the opportunity to defend himself:
Over the past week I have repeatedly requested that Channel 4 give me more than 7 days to respond to allegations made against me dating back 48 years and provide me with sufficient detail to investigate these matters.
Channel 4 has refused on the basis that they feel that asking for a response within 7 days to further anonymous and non-specific allegations is a 'fair opportunity' for me to refute any allegations made against me.
Kevin Spacey in X
Where to watch Kevin Spacey: The Untold Story?
Available on Max catalog, one of the main streaming services in the world, since last Monday (13), Kevin Spacey – The Untold Story can be watched by any of the service's subscribers. The film debuted with 100% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, the main review site for specialized critics.
Watch the trailer
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Source: Spacey Unmasked • Max
Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim
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