The BBC documentary Richard Burton: Wild Genius, part of the centenary celebrations for the actor, offers a celebratory trawl through his life but is severely lacking in thoughtful analysis. The hour-long film relies heavily on euphemisms for Burton's looks, such as 'incredible masculine grandeur', rather than delving into the complexities of his character.
The documentary features an array of contributors, including Burton's daughter Kate, fellow Welsh actors Michael Sheen, Siân Phillips and Iwan Rheon, and those who knew him. Matthew Rhys reads from Burton's diaries. However, the programme struggles to find a new angle on a well-known story, covering his rise from a poor mining family in Pontrhydyfen to Hollywood stardom.
Burton was born in 1925, his mother died when he was two, and he was raised by his sister. His English teacher, Philip Burton, nurtured his talent, leading to a scholarship at Oxford. Legendary producer Binkie Beaumont spotted him in a college production, and he became a star after George Cukor cast him in My Cousin Rachel in 1952.
The documentary touches on his relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, meeting her on the set of Cleopatra in 1961. Euphemisms for their affair abound, with the Vatican condemning their 'erotic vagrancy'. Burton's drinking and struggles with masculinity are frequently mentioned, but the film maintains a celebratory tone, avoiding criticism or deeper interrogation of his life choices.
