(CNN) — Disregarding the issues with grammar and punctuation, the documentary “STEVE! (martin) a documentary in two pieces” stands out among recent releases by offering a comprehensive platform for a prominent figure to delve into his life and career. Steve Martin’s narrative unfolds in two parts, with the first segment delving into his upbringing and rise in the world of stand-up comedy before transitioning to a focus on his shift to the film industry and his current state of what he humorously describes as his “backward” personal life.
The latter aspect of his life includes remarriage later in life, embracing fatherhood with a young child, and finding a sense of fulfillment that had eluded him during his earlier days as a “wild and crazy guy,” marked by struggles with panic attacks and self-doubt.
Throughout his journey, Martin introduced a unique brand of comedy that, as described by friend and musician John McEuen, provided an unconventional exit from the ‘60s era with its absurd and satirical nature, often bordering on performance art with whimsical gestures like treating the entire audience to burgers.
Renowned “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels acknowledges Martin’s groundbreaking contributions, stating, “He reinvented stand-up… But he never thought success was a permanent state.”
Director Morgan Neville, known for his work on various documentaries, meticulously divides the film into “Then” and “Now,” shedding light on Martin’s formative years spent at Disneyland, his early aspirations for performance, and his complex relationship with his emotionally distant father, which colored his perception of childhood as predominantly happy “outside the house.”
Despite initial setbacks in stand-up comedy and contemplations of a career in philosophy, Martin’s eventual triumph in filling arenas propelled him to make the daring decision to transition to the world of cinema at the peak of his stand-up career in 1980. This pivotal shift serves as a narrative bridge to the “Now” phase, featuring candid conversations with fellow comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and playful banter with longtime friend and co-star Martin Short.
While Martin opts to shield certain aspects of his personal life, such as his daughter (represented symbolically by a stick figure), his relaxed demeanor in the documentary signifies a departure from his earlier angst-ridden persona, prompting introspective questions about his journey from anxiety-ridden years in his 30s to a state of genuine contentment at 75.
In addition to glimpses of his filmography, including works like “Pennies From Heaven” and “The Jerk,” the documentary weaves together recollections and anecdotes from a diverse array of friends and collaborators, offering a multifaceted portrayal of both the man behind the persona and his illustrious career. Notable figures such as Tina Fey, Diane Keaton, and Eric Idle contribute to this rich tapestry of memories and insights.
The advent of streaming platforms has ushered in a new era of retrospectives, enabling artists to engage in profound self-examination. “STEVE!” exemplifies the power of this format, providing a deeper understanding of a familiar yet enigmatic figure who, during his prime, remained somewhat enigmatic to the public.
And if this portrayal appears somewhat sentimental, well, excuuuse me.
“STEVE! (martin) a documentary in two pieces” debuts on Apple TV+ on March 29. (Disclosure: Lowry’s wife works for a division of Apple.)
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