I AM: CELINE DION
(director: Irene Taylor; cinematographer: Nick Midwig; editors: Richard Comeau, Christian Jensen; music: Redi Hasa; cast: Celine Dion; Runtime: 102; MPAA Rating: PG; producers: Stacy Lorts, Tom MacKay, Julie Begey Seureau, Irene Taylor; Amazon Prime/MGM Studio/Sony Music; 2024-in English & French)
“An inspirational documentary.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
Irene Taylor (“Leave No Trace”/”Trees and No Entanglements”) directs an engaging and sentimental biopic doc on the Canadian singer’s 30+year career (appeared on the scene in the ’90s) and her return to showbiz after absent from it for 2 years because of a rare illness. The musical biopic gives us a pleasing personal look at the Las Vegas mansion residing Celine Dion (at home with her twin teenage sons) and her struggles with Stiff Person Syndrome–that includes doctor visits and rehab sessions.
There are no talking heads, as the no-nonsense film depicts the side of the diva the public doesn’t see, when she’s surrounded at home by her kids and staff. The film uses interviews and cinema verite-style footage for us to know the star more intimately.
On December 2022, Dion made public that she had Stiff Person Syndrome — a rare condition that affects just one or two people per million. It’s a neurological disorder, that starts with muscle spasms and escalates over time to crippling full-body attacks. SPS put a halt to her concert tours and singing career, and if not properly treated would probably end her singing career.
Celine was the youngest of 14 kids in a poor Canadian family, who resided at Charlemagne, Quebec. At age 12, she was discovered by her future hubby, and her dream was to be an international star. She married her producer and manager, René Angélil) and had to cope with his passing in 2016.
Celine is referred to as the “Queen of Power Ballads.” But only a few of her many great songs made it onto the film, such as “All by Myself.”
One of its most gripping scenes is when she’s caught on camera having an SPS seizure.
The film will appeal to her fan base who will see her away from the bright lights, and to others as an inspirational documentary on her return to the stage after a 2 year absence.
REVIEWED ON 6/26/2024 GRADE: B