Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, 2023.
Directed by Davis Guggenheim.
Featuring Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan.
SYNOPSIS:
“Follows the life of beloved actor and advocate Michael J. Fox, exploring his personal and professional triumphs and travails and what happens when an incurable optimist confronts an incurable disease.”
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie gives viewers an honest yet vulnerable look at the extraordinary life of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Depicted through raw interviews, reenactments, and scenes from Fox’s previous acting portfolio that director Davis Guggenheim cleverly pieces together to narrate the actor’s career, the Back to the Future alumni also recalls his enthralling rise to fame and the events leading up to his 1991 Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Though Fox was diagnosed with the progressive brain disorder at 29, during the documentaries 95-minute runtime, viewers quickly learn that the actor does not wish to be pitied. Instead, the audience is met by an upbeat, witty Fox who, regardless of his disease, has a zest for life, which is inspiring and uplifting to watch.
Before stardom, Fox recalls growing up in Canada. He was bullied at school for being short, struggled to make decent grades, and had a bad habit of totaling his father’s cars. Amusingly, his first introduction to acting class was less to do with his passion for the art and more with the number of girls in attendance. Nevertheless, thanks to his undeniable acting ability and his father’s belief in his talent, Fox dropped out of high school and traveled to Hollywood to pursue his dream.
Guggenheim seamlessly reflects all aspects of Fox’s life with solid pacing. While the documentary covers much ground, each step of the star’s story receives adequate explanation, leaving no stone unturned. And though Fox became a household name, he stresses that his journey to success was no cakewalk, as he battled for three years to make ends meet while living off junk food and avoiding his landlord at all costs.
It was only in 1982 that his perseverance and hard work would finally pay off, and he became an overnight sensation, starring as Alex P. Keaton in his breakout role on the esteemed 80s sitcom Family Ties. During the series’ peak, Fox was cast as fan favorite Marty McFly alongside Christopher Lloyd in the 1985 cult classic Back to the Future.
Due to contract obligations, Fox recounts his struggles working on both projects simultaneously and receiving minimal sleep as he bounced from studio to studio to fulfill his work obligations.
This is where the documentary’s title adopts varying degrees of meaning and irony, reflecting not only the actor’s dedication to his craft and his inability to be still in his early career days but also, through no fault of his own, his failure to do so in later years for a very different reason.
Fox’s likeability and authenticity are endearing, and his willingness to discuss the challenging symptoms he navigates daily showcases his bravery. In intimate interviews with the actor, viewers witness extreme tremors, speech difficulties that occur if he goes too long without medication, and frequent falls, one of which happens off camera, resulting in a face injury.
While walking with his physical therapist, we see Fox trip over as he passes one of his fans in the street. But, of course, he remains unfazed and takes it all in his stride, proclaiming to the passerby, “You knocked me off my feet.”
And though the Hollywood icon is hard as nails, he doesn’t see himself as a hero, but instead, assigns all the credit to his wife of thirty-four years, Tracy, who not only stuck by him after his diagnosis but who also helped him gain sobriety after he struggled to come to terms with his diagnosis.
One of Fox’s most appealing qualities is his sense of humor and ability not to take himself too seriously. But perhaps the most enjoyable parts of the documentary are the heartfelt moments shared in Fox’s home between him, Tracy, and his four children, whose combined positivity, support, and admirability for Fox’s strength shines through every time the family appears onscreen.
Overall, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie is a candid, touching portrayal of the star’s life, and though his Parkinson’s diagnosis is a devastating reality, Fox’s charisma and infectious optimism remind us why he’s such a loved icon in the first place.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Emma Vine
