“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” A Profound, Captivating Documentary
On October 3, the Dietrich Theater will be having a special free showing of the documentary “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.” So, to coincide with this special event, I wanted to take a look at the documentary.
A short kid from a Canadian army base becomes the international pop culture darling of the 1980s, only to find the course of his life altered by a stunning diagnosis. The actor who is an incurable optimist is forced to confront an incurable disease.
“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” delivers a fresh, upbeat approach to a very heavy subject.
Rather than taking a pitying or overly somber approach to Parkinson’s disease, the documentary leans into optimism, humor and plenty of wit. One of Fox’s explicit conditions for making this documentary was that there be “no violins” - meaning no manipulation for cheap sympathy. Throughout the film, we also get to see some of the daily realities of his condition - including his physical therapy and his many falls.
The film’s editor, Michael Harte, used footage from Fox’s extensive film and TV catalog (Back to the Future, Family Ties, Spin City, Doc Hollywood, etc.) as a narrative device. Rather than standard voice-overs or endless talking heads, scenes from his past acting work are seamlessly edited to mirror his actual life, inner thoughts, and the physical symptoms he was secretly hiding on set at the time.
I also enjoyed how direct, grounded and funny Fox remains despite his physical struggles. During the film, he speaks openly about his sudden rush of 80s fame, his early arrogance and subsequent struggles with alcoholism following his diagnosis, and the physical toll of the disease - including falls, fractures, and the physical “tricks” (like holding props or fidgeting) he used for years to hide his tremors on camera.
The documentary also gives us a look at his marriage to actress Tracy Pollan with their four children that can easily strike a deep chord. Rather than presenting an idealized Hollywood family, the film shows their loving, grounded, and often humorously blunt
dynamic.
“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” has received near universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike for its honest, and even funny, look at the actor’s life and career.
MPA: Rated R for language (running time 95 minutes)
If you can’t make it to the special event at the theater, the documentary is available on the Apple TV streaming platform or can be rented on various PVOD platforms
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