We all struggle at times. Sometimes it’s with family. Sometimes it’s with money. Sometimes it’s with health. While we all struggle, that struggle—no matter what it is—doesn’t have to define us. More than anything, that’s the take away from Still, a new documentary from director Davis Guggenheim that lets Michael J. Fox tell his story in his own words.
Fox has Parkinson’s Disease. It’s a daily struggle that’s taken a toll on him, his family and especially his wife, Tracy Pollan. And yet, it’s instantly clear that Fox won’t let his diagnosis, or that daily struggle, define him. He remains charming, honest and delightful as he shares his story, looks back on his career and takes viewers inside his daily grind with the disease he was first diagnosed with more than 30 years ago.
The film takes a journey with Fox, as he shares about his start, his big break and what it was like making Family Ties and Back to the Future at the same time. He chronicles meeting Pollan, his career arc and the diagnosis that changed everything. Through it all he’s open, honest and immensely entertaining.
I’ve long enjoyed Fox as a performer. I have seen Back to the Future countless times and always admired his comedic style and performance. It’s quite possible I admire him more now after hearing his story through this film.
A good documentary tells you a story in such a way that it connects you to its subject. This film from Guggenheim does just that. You are instantly drawn into Fox’s story, and the way it intercuts footage of him in projects helps give it energy.
This film originally debuted at the Sundance Film festival and figures to be one that is in contention for best documentary feature by year’s end.
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie is airing in select theaters and debuts on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 12.
Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.
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