Over the years, we’ve seen documentary filmmakers try all sorts of stylish tricks to add a bit of flair to their films. And in the case of “My Old School,” director Jono McLeod tries for something really unique. McLeod hired an actor, the incredible Alan Cumming, to lip-synch the interview with the doc subject.
From filmmaker Jono McLeod, most known for his documentary styling and old-school nostalgic aesthetics, “My Old School” will utilize period-specific animation, pitch-perfect soundtracks, and memories of students and teachers. Oh yeah, and it also uses a highly-regarded, trained actor to play the role of Brandon Lee, the mysterious student at the center of the story.
Here’s the official synopsis:
In 1993, 16-year-old Brandon Lee enrolled at Bearsden Academy, a secondary school in a well-to-do suburb of Glasgow, Scotland. What followed over the next two years would become the stuff of legend. Brandon had been privately tutored in Canada while he accompanied his mother, an opera diva, on tour before her tragic death. The preternaturally bright student surprised teachers by blazing toward his goal of entering medical school, displaying a wealth of knowledge beyond his years. Brandon found friends despite his initial awkwardness, taking bullied students under his wing, introducing classmates to seminal retro bands, and even starring in the school’s production of South Pacific. But then his unbelievable secret was revealed.
The hour-long documentary will star Alan Cumming, who’s been involved in every bit of Hollywood that you can think of. Cumming has starred in a variety of projects ranging from the “Smurfs” movie franchise to Jim Carrey’s “The Mask” sequel “Son of the Mask” and to playing Loki on “The Simpsons.” Scottish actress Clare Grogan will join Cummings in “My Old School.” Grogan is known for her wide range of roles in classic British tv shows like “Eastenders”(1985), “Red Dwarf”(1988), “Waterloo Road”(2006), “Skins”(2007), and “Father Ted”(1995).
Iconic Scottish singer Lulu will also be a part of the documentary. Lulu had major chart hits internationally like To Sir With Love and The Man With The Golden Gun which was used as the title song in the “James Bond: The Man With The Golden Gun”.
“My Old School” will be released by Magnolia Pictures to theaters on July 22.