Cecil Beaton was an eclectic and troublesome Hollywood legend. A photographer, diarist, war correspondent and film production and costume designer, Beaton gave a touch of elegance to all he did. But he was a snob who resented that he had to work for a living and made no secret of his hatred for many great stars.
A movie showing at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art profiles the talented but snooty artist. “Love, Cecil,” a documentary by Lisa Immordino Vreeland, features interviews with friends and collaborators including Leslie Caron, Rupert Everett, David Hockney, Isaac Mizrahi and Hamish Bowles. “Love, Cecil” will be shown Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22, at 2 p.m.
The film “Gigi” follows the screenings of “Love Cecil.” The 1958 musical featured sets and costumes designed by Beaton and won nine Oscars, including best costume design for Beaton, who also won Oscars for costume design and art direction for “My Fair Lady.”
Four costumes from “Gigi” will be on exhibit in the theater lobby, as will a Beaton portrait of Lincoln Kerstein. Admission is $9, $8 students and seniors, $7 members. The Atheneum is at 600 Main St. in Hartford. thewadsworth.org.