Some people lead lives so interesting that it’s difficult to imagine fitting their stories into a single documentary. Roy Blakey is one of those people. A figure skater, photographer, artist, collector and LGBTQ+ pioneer, Blakey spent more than nine decades pursuing his passions, leaving behind an extraordinary collection of photographs, memorabilia and personal history.
In Uncle Roy, filmmaker Keri Pickett explores the remarkable life of her uncle, whose accomplishments are slowly revealed throughout the documentary, much like peeling back the layers of an onion. What begins as a portrait of an interesting and somewhat mysterious relative gradually becomes something much more personal, as Pickett documents Roy’s declining health while working to preserve his legacy.
Born in Oklahoma in 1930, Blakey developed an early fascination with figure skating, eventually performing internationally with Holiday on Ice. His passion for the sport continued long after his performing career ended, resulting in an astonishing collection of more than 44,000 items documenting the history of theatrical figure skating.
But skating was only one chapter of his life. After moving to New York City, Blakey established himself as a photographer, becoming particularly known for his male nude portraits during the 1970s. His work, which captured a generation of men whose lives would later be devastated by the AIDS epidemic, became an important part of LGBTQ+ photographic history.
Either of these accomplishments could easily serve as the subject of its own documentary, yet they’re only part of what makes Blakey’s story so fascinating.
Pickett, herself an accomplished photographer and filmmaker, also explores her evolving relationship with her uncle. Having barely known him growing up, she eventually followed him to New York, where their shared interest in photography helped establish a bond that would grow considerably stronger over the following decades.
It’s this relationship that gives Uncle Roy much of its emotional weight. As Blakey enters his 90s and develops dementia, Pickett becomes his full-time caregiver. Watching his health and memory deteriorate is heartbreaking, particularly after witnessing the remarkable life he led. Yet despite its difficult subject matter, the documentary remains surprisingly uplifting.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is the sheer amount of archival material available. It’s rare to see someone’s life documented so extensively, and the photographs, personal collections and historical artifacts allow audiences to appreciate not only Blakey’s accomplishments but the changing world he experienced.
Ultimately, however, Uncle Roy is less about Blakey’s individual careers than the importance of preserving his legacy. At one point, while discussing his enormous collection, Pickett declares, “Roy Blakey is going to be remembered.” Thanks to her dedication, there’s little doubt that he will be.
Uncle Roy is a fascinating, deeply personal and touching tribute to an extraordinary man, celebrating not only a life well lived, but the love and determination required to ensure that life isn’t forgotten.
Uncle Roy will make its NYC premiere at NewFest on Oct. 18th
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“Uncle Roy” is a fascinating and touching portrait of a life well lived.