At one point in this new documentary – which explores the life and work of the late Jewish theatre and film director Jack Garfein – a young Marlon Brando observes that acting is a basic survival mechanism. Czech-born Garfein realised this truth at an early age, utilising his acting skills to escape certain death at Auschwitz and Bergen Belsen. Arriving in America after the war, he used his traumatic experience to masterfully direct plays and films that addressed taboo issues such as homosexuality and race. As both a director and co-founder of the legendary Actors Studio, he discovered and nurtured a whole new generation of actors – including James Dean, Steve McQueen and Ben Gazzara – whose powerful performances have revolutionised American filmmaking. Narrated by Willem Dafoe and featuring notable peers such as Peter Bogdanovich, The Wild One is a stunning tribute to one of Hollywood’s greats.

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Erica and Stuart Peters