Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me

Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me is a candid and engaging documentary that offers an intimate portrait of the legendary Broadway performer Elaine Stritch. Directed by Chiemi Karasawa, the film delves into the life and career of Stritch, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 89.

The documentary captures Stritch in her later years, as she rehearses for a one-woman show and performs in concerts across the country. It also includes archival footage of her iconic performances in musicals like Company and A Little Night Music, as well as interviews with some of her famous collaborators and admirers, including Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, and James Gandolfini.

From the very first moments of the film, Stritch is a captivating presence. She is frank, funny, and deeply insightful about her life and art. She talks openly about her struggles with alcoholism and diabetes, and about the challenges of aging in a profession that prizes youth and beauty. She also shares amusing anecdotes about her theatrical triumphs and mishaps, and speaks candidly about her famous friends and romantic partners.

One of the most striking things about Stritch is her fearlessness. She is not afraid to speak her mind or take risks on stage, even if it means confronting taboos or breaking the fourth wall. In one memorable scene from the film, she strips down to her bra and pants to perform "The Ladies Who Lunch," a song she made famous in Company. The moment is both hilarious and poignant, as Stritch reveals her vulnerability and her willingness to expose herself emotionally in front of an audience.

Despite her irreverent humor and larger-than-life personality, Stritch is also a deeply vulnerable and sensitive person. The film reveals her struggles with stage fright and her fear of disappointing her fans. It also touches on her turbulent personal life, including her tumultuous relationship with her late husband, actor John Bay, and her complicated bond with her siblings.

Throughout the film, Stritch is surrounded by a cast of colorful characters who provide insight into her world. Tina Fey, for example, is a frequent collaborator and friend who shares her admiration for Stritch's talent and tenacity. Alec Baldwin, who acted opposite Stritch on 30 Rock, describes her as "the greatest living performer," while James Gandolfini recalls the tender moments they shared on the set of The Sopranos.

Despite its poignant moments, Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me is ultimately a celebration of a life well-lived. Stritch's passion for theater and her irrepressible spirit shine through every frame of the film. As she sings in one of her signature songs, "I'm Still Here," it's clear that, even in her 80s, Stritch had lost none of her fire or her joy for performing.

In conclusion, Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me is a moving and entertaining documentary that pays tribute to one of Broadway's most iconic performers. Whether you're a fan of musical theater or simply interested in the life of a remarkable woman, this film is not to be missed.