Among the realm of celebrity documentaries, the prevalence of hagiographies often overshadows those that genuinely attempt an intimate, authentic view. Films that promise in-depth outlooks and previously unseen viewpoints are scarce, as most are designed to project a made-up proximity of subjects instead of reality. However, an exception to the rule is found in the form of the documentary "I Am: Celine Dion". Rather than utilise optical illusions to fabricate a semblance of closeness, the film uncovers a heartfelt insight into the subject’s altered circumstance.
The documentary delves into the Canadian singer's fight against Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), an uncommon neurological disorder causing muscular rigidity and intense spasms. After years of vaguely indicating related symptoms, Dion openly shared her health struggles in an Instagram post in December 2022. In the video, she apologises for her period of silence, explaining that while she wasn't ready to speak of it earlier, she now feels prepared.
In "I Am: Celine Dion", Dion intensifies her readiness. Helmed by director Irene Taylor, the film uses the emotional momentum of the Instagram post as a base to invite fans to partake in her battle with SPS. The film stands as a touching homage to Dion's legacy, a window into the toll the condition has had on her unique talents, and a testament to her fight for her future.
Taylor, alongside DP Nick Midwig, crafts a vérité-style documentary that maintains a constant closeness with Dion, portraying daily life with her children, her experience with extensive rehab and immunotherapy, and her journey to rebuild her identity. The central theme revolves around how her internal physical struggle has impaired her voice, which she regards as the "conductor of her life". Even with the burden of answering this query being immensely painful, Dion does not shy away from the task.
"I Am: Celine Dion" traces a year preceding Dion's announcement, revealing a period where she was mostly confined to her large Nevada home. The film opens with Dion discussing the impact of SPS on her physicality, with her characteristic acceptance and humor. Nevertheless, when she talks about the effect on her singing, her composure trembles with raw emotion.
Her life as an artist post-SPS has been dramatically transformed. No longer can the songstress deliver powerful renditions of her emotionally rich songs for long durations, record a trio of tracks in one night, or put on her signature, show-stealing performances week after week.
Later in the film, Dion records a song for the Netflix movie Love Again, starring Priyanka Chopra, while using fewer vocal strains. This session exposes the incredible exertion it takes her to perform actions that were once effortless. As the documentary progresses, it presents a comparison of Dion's past and present.
As Dion journeys back in time through visits to a warehouse filled with relics from her long-standing career, they discuss her past. Dion, now 56 years old, sifts through items that represent key moments of her journey. In her discussion of her fashion history, she jokes about her flexible shoe size, signifying her willingness to suffer for the perfect style statement.
Throughout "I Am: Celine Dion", Dion extends profound gratitude towards her team, from those who coordinated her tours to the medical experts aiding her in managing SPS. Despite this, the film doesn't include any interviews with these individuals and operates much like her Instagram announcement video - as a direct connection between Dion and her fans.
Towards the conclusion of the film, the focus shifts back to Dion's career intertwined with her health complications. In various instances, Dion expresses worry about her voice and energy levels, as well as suffering from physical fatigue. Even amidst her concerns, whenever given a chance, she breaks into song, indicating her deep-rooted love for music.
The film starkly profiles Dion's life alongside the realities of living with a chronic illness. Director Taylor does not retreat from showcasing the challenging moments in Dion's life, including a heart-wrenching scene where Dion seizes and is reduced to tears.
In presenting a vivid view into Dion's pain, "I Am: Celine Dion" ultimately underscores the toll that SPS has taken on Dion - not merely as a global music icon, but as a human being enduring a debilitating condition.
