Stan Lee

To Stan Lee, his legend is immortal

Stan Lee is a documentary directed by David Gelb that celebrates the life and career of the legendary author and creative mind behind Marvel Comics. In commemoration of Lee's centenary, David Gelb's film offers a nostalgic and enjoyable experience by compiling the familiar Stan Lee story in one place. While it doesn't offer any groundbreaking revelations or alternative perspectives, the documentary effectively captures the spirit and charm of the Marvel universe, highlighting Lee's contributions and the lasting impact of his creations.

David Gelb manages to strike a balance between presenting a concise chronological biography of Stan Lee and delving deeper into the philosophy behind the creation of Marvel's beloved characters. Stan Lee's revolutionary approach to comics, combining fantasy and reality, entertainment and moral teachings, resonates throughout the film. David Gelb places Stan Lee's artistic legacy in context, highlighting the importance of his contributions to the world of comics. In addition, the documentary presents Stan Lee as an inspirational figure, encouraging young people to pursue their passions and believe in their ideas and dreams.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Stan Lee is his vintage texture and aura. The film transports audiences to the visionary origins of the illustrated, hand-drawn panels, reclaiming a more vivid, soulful realm of fantasy. It's a refreshing change from the grandiloquent, CGI-driven films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that dominate contemporary superhero history. The vintage aesthetic pays homage to the early days of comics, and recalls the rich history that paved the way for the Marvel phenomenon we know today.

The documentary not only celebrates Stan Lee's iconic characters, but also explores their significance in broader historical, social and political contexts. Characters such as the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Spider-Man and others broke the mold by embracing real life and presenting flawed, relatable personalities. David Gelb deftly captures the subversive humor and realistic portrayals that captivated readers, underscoring the cultural impact of these characters.

Stan Lee's infectious enthusiasm and showmanship played a vital role in his success as a comic-book creator. He became an advocate for Marvel and comics in general, engaging with fans through college tours and media appearances. However, the documentary doesn't shy away from the controversies surrounding Lee's career, including debates over authorship and the credit given to collaborators. David Gelb presents a balanced perspective, allowing Lee's words and interviews to shed light on these controversial issues.

Stan Lee is an enjoyable documentary that pays tribute to the life and legacy of the comic book icon. David Gelb's film celebrates Lee's creative genius while exploring the controversies surrounding his career. Capturing the essence of Lee's vision and the transformative power of his storytelling, the documentary reminds us of the lasting impact of Marvel superheroes and their cultural importance. With its vintage aesthetic and Lee's personal anecdotes, the film invites viewers to reconnect with the imaginative world of hand-drawn comics and rediscover the vibrant soul that started it all. "Stan Lee" is a must-see film for fans and neophytes alike, as it pays heartfelt tribute to a true legend.

However, it's important to note that Stan Lee has a few flaws. The documentary focuses mainly on one specific period of Lee's career, the early to mid-1960s, during the creative boom of Marvel Comics. While this period is undoubtedly important, it leaves out other aspects of Stan Lee's life and career that would have added depth and breadth to the film. In addition, while the documentary briefly mentions the controversies surrounding Lee's alleged credit theft and disputes with artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, it doesn't delve into these issues, leaving some important questions unanswered.

While the Stan Lee film provides a solid introduction to the life and career of Stan Lee, it is likely to be missed by those seeking to better understand his impact on today's comics and film industry.

Stan Lee
Directed by David Gelb
Produced by David Gelb, Brian McGinn, Jason Sterman
Starring Stan lee
Music by Michael Dean Parsons , Scott Michael Smith      
Cinematography : Ernesto Lomeli
Edited by Jamie Garland, James Long , Andrew McAllister              
Production companies : Disney+
Distributed by Disney +
Release date : June 16, 2023 (World)
Running time : 86 minutes

Viewed on June 16, 2023 (Disney+)

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