My introduction to Steve Martin was probably through “The Muppet Movie,” but I fell in love with him through a copy of “The Three Amigos” that my parents had recorded during a free HBO weekend. Something about his humor appealed to me, even from a young age. He was the perfect blend of silly and serious that worked for me on a deep level, and I have loved his work my whole life. So I have been anxiously awaiting Morgan Neville’s documentary “Steve! (martin) A Documentary in 2 Pieces,” which is streaming on Apple TV+.
This is better called two documentaries, as each half clocks in at just over 90 minutes. The first half, called “Then,” follows Martin’s somewhat troubled childhood and efforts to break into the entertainment community. It shows his magic, his time studying philosophy, writing for the Smothers Brothers and working small clubs as a stand-up. We see a man trying to do something new and different from his peers, with a lot of not-quite success until he is able to break into television. His appearances on Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show” and especially Saturday Night Live caused his stand-up albums to
go platinum, with him eventually filling stadiums with people wearing bunny ears, balloon hats, and broken arrows.
The second part of the documentary, “Now,” starts at the beginning of Martin’s film career and is told through various comic panels from his illustrated memoir, “Number One is Walking.” This is a far more introspective documentary, trying to unpack the man himself through his writing, the art that he has collected, and the various relationships he has had over the years. One of my favorite parts about the second half is the inclusion of Martin Short and watching them work on the stand-up show they did together, as well as just doing things friends do.
As an actual documentary, there is nothing particularly striking about this. It’s all standard documentary feature fare.
I appreciate the vast number of clips that we are shown and the walkthrough of some of the more private aspects of Martin’s life.
But even though there is nothing ground-breaking in the style of this movie, Martin himself more than makes up for it by being such a fascinating subject. Few people are able to make a name for themselves in a single segment of the entertainment world, but Martin has done it over and over again. Successful comedian, successful film star, successful writer, successful musician and now successful television star. To have spent half a century making people laugh in so many outlets is incredible and deeply worthy of these films. If I’m going to spend more than three hours with a celebrity, he’s definitely one worth that time.
Seeing Martin now as a devoted husband, father and friend while continuing to have a successful career is a wonder. One of his most popular comedy albums is “Let’s Get Small.” Steve Martin can never have a small life, but he certainly seems to have a happy and contented one now, and as a fan, that brings me as much joy as any of his performances.
ALISE CHAFFINS is a Morgantown writer who loves movies and sharing her opinions. She reviews a movie from a streaming service every Saturday and one newly in theaters every Sunday. Find more at MacGuffin or Meaning on Substack
