Sir Ben Kingsley bears a striking resemblance to Salvador Dali as he plays the artist in Dalíland

Sir Ben Kingsley made a convincing Salvador Dali in a still from upcoming film Daliland, which premieres on Saturday night at the Toronto International Film Festival. 

The film shows the artist as an old man, striving for relevance as he prepares to mount an exhibition. 

And actor Ben, 78, proved he had just what it takes to transform into the famous surrealist painter as he sported the artist’s signature handlebar moustache and flowing locks. 

Dali is supported by his muse and ‘spiritual wife’ Amanda Lear, who was by his side for 15 years — while he was terrorised by his actual wife Gala. 

Lear — a model, TV host and later pop singer — is played by model and trans woman Andreja Pejic, who says she has been a lifelong fan of the androgynous Lear.

Records appear to show Lear was born Alain Tap in Saigon; but she has previously denied being born male, reports The Daily Mail’s Alison Boshoff.

Resemblance: Ben, 78, (L) proved he had just what it takes to transform into the famous surrealist painter as he sported the artist’s signature handlebar moustache and flowing locks

Her eventful life story will surely be told in film one day — her lovers have included David Bowie and Bryan Ferry.

Set in 1973, Dalí Land will follow the story of a young gallery assistant who helps the ageing Dalí prepare for a big show in New York.

While Sir Ben takes on the role of the artist in his later years, while Ezra Miller, 28, portrays the impressionist in his youth.

Iconic: Dalí was famed for his incredible draftsmanship and often bizarre works of art 

They star alongside Barbara Sukowa playing his wife Gala – a role originally slated for Lesley Manville – Frank Dillane as a young art enthusiast, and Tim Roth who will be Dalí’s right hand man, Captain Moore.

Mary Harron, best known for her cinematic interpretation of controversial Brett Easton Ellis novel American Psycho, serves as director and co-writer on the new production alongside her screenwriter husband John C. Walsh. 

Speaking in 2019, producer Edward R. Pressman told Deadline: ‘Mary’s sense of cosmic irony is a perfect match for a story about the flamboyant, contradictory and larger than life Salvador Dalí. 

Latest role: One could be forgiven for thinking Salvador Dalí was alive and well as Sir Ben stepped into the surrealist painter’s shoes for a new biopic 9[pictured filming scenes in April last year)

Transformation: Sir Ben Kingsley as he is known to millions (L) and the actor dressed in character for his new role as Salvador Dalí (R)

‘I love the team we’ve assembled and can’t wait to see Sir Ben Kingsley and Lesley Manville embody the iconic partnership of Dalí and Gala.’ 

Born in Catalonia in 1904, Dalí’s notable unique aesthetic turned him into one of the most significant surrealist painters of the 20th century. 

With sex, food, science, religion and nature key themes throughout his body of work, Dalí’s notable paintings include The Persistence Of Memory, Crucifixion, Metamorphosis of Narcissus and Basket of Bread. 

The painter is the latest in a series of historical figures played by Sir Ben, with the actor previously winning an Academy Award for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi in 1982 epic Ghandi. 

Legendary: Born in Catalonia in 1904, Dalí’s notable unique aesthetic turned him into one of the most significant surrealist painters of the 20th century