In a gamut of self-serving, self-centered celebrity ‘documentaries’ that are nothing but reality-show-like vanity projects comes “I Am: Celine Dion” – a harrowing yet inspiring documentary from an icon who needs no introduction.
Released on Amazon Prime and masterfully directed by Irene Taylor, “I Am: Celine Dion” is a revealing documentary that sheds light on the star’s battle against SPS, or Stiff Person Syndrome: a rare, progressive, neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and spasms. The disease is so rare that only 1 or 2 in a million people get it, and the cause is still unknown. But the documentary is not a pity party. It is not all about her disease. It is also a celebration of her music, a look at her expansive performance history, and an inspiring tale of passion, courage and hope.
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The film opens with a clip of an interview with a young Celine Dion, where she reveals that her dream is to ‘sing all her life.’ Then it cuts to a montage of some of her powerful performances over the years, then her happy home life with her twins, and then…
A crisis.
This powerful juxtaposition of her best performance moments and her current struggles evokes a more painful yet empathetic viewing experience. It’s as if we are vicariously living the same pain of being stripped of that one thing that defines a person’s life. For Celine, it is her voice and her ability to perform, and for us watching, we may suddenly find ourselves imagining being in her shoes, or recalling our own experience. Such is the evocative impact of this masterpiece. Irene Taylor’s storytelling is genius, a smooth, organized chaos – deliberately at that. Timelines are blurred, we are taken from decades back, then to the present, suddenly to the 2000s, then to Las Vegas in recent years, then back to Quebec, living Celine’s dream, journeying with her, basking in the glory with her.
Then, silence.
The sun peeps through her curtain. Celine sits in the living room, no make-up, her expression tired, as she finally reveals the struggle she has been keeping from her avid supporters.
This narrative style prompts an emotional roller coaster ride that allows the viewer to celebrate Celine’s decades long career, from her humble beginnings to her peak, and then to literally watch all these with her, in her living room, as she languishes in frustration over not being able to sing the same way because of her condition.
Still, it is indeed a celebration. The documentary did not fail to cement Celine’s musical legacy, with iconic footages of her performances of both French and English songs in memorable venues around the world. Her struggles aside, you can bet on an expansive Celine Dion discography, even rare performances that don’t usually go up on social media and other platforms. It also gives a peek at happier times, mostly her family life, and a rare look at her sons. Her devotion to her family is highlighted without fanfare that it comes across as organic, natural, relatable. You can watch it as a son, or a mother, and share the simple universality of filial affection.
Then, there is SPS. The documentary does not pretend to be a scientific resource for information about SPS. After all, there is still no know cause, neither a known cure. The film lets us know what Celine knows so far, but more importantly – heartbreaking at that – is that it shows us for the first time how even an iconic singer like Celine, with all the resources that she has, still grapples with such a debilitating condition that it genuinely humanizes her. In the second half of the documentary, the clips of her glaring and glamorous performances come farther in between, and eventually, the story focuses on her struggle with the disease. Then it climaxes with scene so harrowing, it will shock and move its viewers. I was more than shocked. I was left in tears even after the credits stopped rolling.
Then, there was hope. Amidst all the battles, Celine has remained steadfast and optimistic. Her passion for music and performance never wavered, and her ultimate goal is to return on stage, and in her own words, she says “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl.” And it is not rooted in vanity. It is rooted in love. In passion. In the genuine pursuit to practice her craft. Though many of us may not be in the same industry as hers, her optimism resonates across endeavors and reminds us that optimism trumps tribulations.
This may be a documentary of an iconic diva. This may be a revelation of a medical struggle not many of its viewers will experience. But beyond all these, this is a story of courage and hope. This is a proof that love and passion fuels courage, and that despite hardships and pain, we deserve to rise up to the battle.
The message is clear, and universal: There is a Celine Dion in all of us. Because we are all capable of fighting our battles. We are: Celine Dion.
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