A British Picture (1989): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1989, A British Picture is a documentary film directed by Ken Russell, running about 50 minutes. “Portrait of an Enfant Terrible” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. The updated autobiography of Britain’s most controversial film director, the maker of Women in Love, The Devils, The Music Lovers, Tommy and The Rainbow, is as unconventional and brilliant as his best films. Moving with astonishing assurance through time and space, Russell recreates his life in a series of interconnected episodes – his thirties childhood in Southampton, his first sexual experience (watching Disney’s Pinocchio), his schooldays at the Nautical College, Pangbourne, early careers in the Merchant Marine and the Royal Air Force, dancing days at the Shepherds Bush Ballet Club and of course his career as a film-maker, beginning with an extraordinary interview with Huw Weldon for a job on Monitor. Full of marvellously funny anecdotes and fascinating insights into the realities of the film director's life, A British Picture is a remarkable autobiography.

Who’s in it. A British Picture stars Ken Russell, Molly Russell, Rupert Russell and Victoria Russell, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, A British Picture has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch A British Picture page.

If you liked it. Fans of A British Picture tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.