“I Am: Celine Dion,” is a heartwarming documentary of the life of legendary French-Canadian singer and Grammy awards winner Celine Dion. The documentary gives her fans and audience at large a firsthand look into her life story as she fought and lived with the challenges brought on her by her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome (SPS). The movie which was directed by the Oscar-nominated filmmaker Irene Taylor, is now streaming on Prime Video. Taylor skillfully balances the narrative, blending moments of sadness with scenes of hope and determination. The editing done by Richard Comeau and Christian Jensen further enhance the storytelling, providing an effortless transition between past and present.
One of the many emotional moments in the documentary was the moment when Celine was comparing herself to an apple tree. She reflect on her past, where she “gave people apples the best, and I shine them” just like a metaphor for the incredible talents she has shared with her global audience. However, she likened her current state to her branches starting to produce fewer apples and soon will have no more apples to give. The heartbreaking conclusion to this metaphor is that she doesn’t want her fans to wait in line when she has no more apples to give them.
This documentary captures a period of rehabilitation in Dion’s life, showing her rarely leaving home as she spends time with her three sons in their Las Vegas mansion. We see her engaging in everyday activities playing with her children, caring for her pets, making coffee, and vacuuming the floor. These scenes, often featuring Dion without makeup and with her natural gray hair, provide a stark contrast to the glamorous image she has maintained for decades. Dion’s diagnosis of this a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and spasms, has caused a great hindrance on her ability to perform.
The documentary further reveals subtle signs of her illness, such as immobile fingers, difficulty walking, and balance issues. As Dion explains, “It’s not seeable,” yet the effects on her voice are undeniable. In one scene, she attempts to sing Foreigner’s “I Wanna Know What Love Is,” but struggles to hit the notes she once flawlessly romanced. The rigidness in her chest affects her breathing and vocal cords, making singing a challenge and a source of deep frustration for her.
The film further compares footage of Dion delivering powerful performances with contemporary scenes where she struggles with her new reality. The comparison is to point the glaring changes in her abilities which evokes a deep sense of empathy and loss. Vintage home-video footage also adds a personal touch, showing Dion pregnant with her first child and other moments of her life off-stage. “I Am: Celine Dion” is not just a documary, it digs deep into wider theme which is aging and the inevitability of diminishing abilities.
Celine has always been a unique artist from the beginning, even till now, the super star did not hide her illness instead she made known her condition, confront and articulate feelings that many stars keep hidden. She admits to initially concealing her symptoms and attributing concert cancellations to sinus and ear infections. For nearly two decades, she managed her condition privately, but as her symptoms became more severe, she could no longer maintain the facade.
At a climax with the “My heart will go on” singer records the title song for the 2023 romantic comedy “Love Again.” Despite her determination complete the song, she struggles to deliver a satisfactory performance, an opposite to her earlier ability to record multiple songs in one night. Yet, in a triumphant moment, she overcomes these challenges and delivers a performance that brings her joy and satisfaction. One of the most vulnerable scenes captures Dion experiencing a severe attack.
The documentary does not shy away from showing the harsh reality of her condition, as she is seen face down on a table, enduring a full-on seizure. This level of transparency is rare, especially for a star of Dion’s caliber. Despite these challenges, Dion remains fearless and motivated. She declares, “If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. But I won’t stop.” This unwavering determination leaves viewers with a sense of hope, even as the documentary acknowledges the uncertainties of her future. The film concludes with a touching story Dion shared at the New York premiere of the documentary.
A fan’s message reminded her that her audience is there not just for the “shiny apples,” but for the tree itself, and this show the deep bond between Dion and her fans, they appear to be more of family.
Therefore “I Am: Celine Dion” continues to remain more than just a documentary, it is a love letter to her fans, a view into to resilience, and an honest exploration of the human ability to endure and adapt to whatever situation for a good reason. It is a must-watch for anyone who has ever been moved by Dion’s music and for those who seek to understand the person behind the iconic voice. The mother of three has always been known for her larger-than-life persona, her incredible vocal range, and her emotional performances. This documentary, however, offers a much deeper look into her vulnerable side, her struggles, and her strength to endure through it all.