The Ghost of Peter Sellers

This is a really intriguing documentary about the chaos behind the making of a film that never really saw the light of day. "The Ghost of Peter Sellers" follows director Peter Medak as he revisits the disastrous production of a 1973 pirate comedy starring the legendary Peter Sellers. It's less about Sellers' whole life and more about one wild chapter — and the lasting impact it had on everyone involved, especially Medak himself.

What struck me is how unexpectedly emotional and personal the story is. Medak doesn't just dish behind-the-scenes anecdotes; he really wrestles with old wounds, regrets, and the ghosts of his own career. You feel his frustration and heartbreak, which makes it more than a standard "making-of" tale. Sellers, even in archival footage and memories, is fascinating — brilliant, mercurial, and incredibly difficult.

The film can feel a little repetitive at times, mostly because it leans so heavily into Medak’s pain. There aren’t many new revelations if you already know about Sellers’ personality, but the insight into how a film can unravel is genuinely compelling. The pacing drags a bit toward the middle, as interviews sometimes circle the same points.

Visually, it's stylish for a documentary — smart use of original footage and moody present-day shots of Medak wandering the old Cyprus locations. The interview segments are candid and often funny, thanks to the colorful characters involved. Medak's vulnerability is the heart of it, and it’s clear this was cathartic for him.

You would enjoy this if you appreciate films about films, or if you get engrossed by stories where creative ambition meets real-world disaster. It’s definitely for anyone curious about the cost of collaboration (or sabotage) in Hollywood. Maybe not a must-see for casual moviegoers, but if you love quirky cinematic history, this is a hidden gem.