Within the documentary genre there are quite a few subgenres, and one that can be difficult to navigate is the kind of documentary which is set up as an opportunity for its subject to tell their story. Unlike many documentaries where the film makers are observing and perhaps making their case, these films can lean a little too heavily into self-promotion and other problematic elements. But when handled well, these kinds of films can offer us an insight into the experience of someone from whom we can learn and that is how Still feels. Yes it is an opportunity for Michael J Fox to share with us his personal journey through a successful career and into a debilitating disease, but it is also quite honest, likely helped along by the fact that Fox doesn't have many skeletons in his closet to worry about and his everyman and decent man persona appears to be very much grounded in who he is.
Still celebrates a blessed life that has also been besieged by the sort of hardship that diseases like Parkinson's bring. Successful and rich, and more importantly blessed with a loving family and support, Fox gets to tell a tale about facing a struggle but not having to do it alone. He does discuss his own digressions into stardom's arrogance and struggles with alcoholism, albeit only briefly. But that is okay that he doesn't dwell here because that's not what this story is about.
Still is very much designed to be something we can all relate to. It has a real world balance of ups and downs, blessings and hardships. And it offers some lovely hope about survival and the challenges of optimism. It also feels a bit like reaching down to help out those who might not have as many resources to get them through similar struggles, modelling and saying you're not alone. I think for me the most moving part of Still was seeing someone in pain surrounded by love and the hope that all of us could have that.
Still
Starring: Michael J Fox
Director: Davis Guggenheim
Writer: Michael J Fox
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