Efficient in the way that it plows through each stage of Walter's adult life as brutally as possible. Quite exceptional as a TV movie, with Ian McKellen proving himself a well-rounded actor after mostly Shakespearean productions. I caught the 70 minute version, but IMDb suggests the DVD version is 128 minutes long(?) Presumably most have seen the TV version; I suggest taking a look if it's on. Check out the sequal: Walter and June. It is my preferred film of the two. The DVD may contain both.

This isn't a particularly good film. The script leaves a lot to be desired and every other character that doesn't have some sort of mental illness may as well have a handlebar moustache and a top hat. Thankfully, McKellen's performance is so engaging and original that I was never once bored. It's so refreshing to see an actor give a performance like this that isn't just the typical "wave hands about and pull funny faces" thing.

Excellent, Sir Ian is amazing in this drama.