Few films meant more to me growing up than Back to the Future. The film remains one of my top 5 favorite films of all time, and the love I have for the film stems from the performance of Marty McFly himself, Michael J. Fox. As I grew older, I began to dive into his career and was enamored by his charisma and charm. Even through his battle with Parkinson’s disease, MJF remains one of Hollywood’s most inspirational actors.
With a career and story of that importance, it’s no surprise Apple would be interested in documenting the life and career of Michael J. Fox. Likewise, with its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, it’s not shocking to report that I adored Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.
A raw and powerful look at one of our most beloved actors. Never failing to bring humor and inspiration, Michael J. Fox’s journey is a recipe for one of the year’s most fascinating documentaries.
Through a blending of archival footage and reenactments, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie explores Fox’s personal and professional ups and downs, including his fight against an incurable disease.
Academy Award winner Davis Guggenheim and MJF bring a unique and refreshing approach to this film. Rather than treating Fox’s Parkinson’s as a tragic pessimistic future, Guggenheim brings a vibrant, hopeful insight that will leave those watching with a positive impression. As Fox states, “he doesn’t want your pity.”
While Guggenheim’s approach works perfectly with the long-known optimist, there is no hiding the daily routine Fox goes through. We see Fox struggle to brush his teeth or even walk. However, with Fox’s optimism comes turning a negative into a positive. In a moment of weakness, Fox mentions to a concerned person, “You knocked me off my feet.”, which shows the positive mindset Fox always maintains even during his long-standing battle.
This immersive look benefits from Michael J. Fox’s openness throughout the film. Fox never shies away from being engaged and generous with his audience. Fox opens up about his journey to Hollywood, his struggle to succeed, and his ultimate breakout role in Family Ties.
While I’ve been aware of the time crunch Fox was on shooting both the series and Back to the Future, hearing MJF talking about his experience in his own words was quite the highlight, and impressive that the film turned out to be as incredible and iconic as it has become since its 1985 release.
Fox’s Parkinson’s diagnosis came in 1991, which led to alcoholism and Fox maneuvering himself on set to find ways to hide his disease until ultimately revealing it to the world after his time on Spin City.
The film’s most heartwarming aspect of the film is the smile on Fox’s face when talking about his wife, Tracy Pollan, with whom he has been married for 35 years. We are treated to a look at Fox’s home life and relationship with his wife and family.
It’s hard to poke holes in this beautiful look at Michael J. Fox. However, it will go down as one of the year’s most inspiring films with its best quotes, ” I love my mind and the pace it takes me, and I don’t want that to get short.”
