2015 marks the 40th year anniversary for Saturday Night Live and, in honor of the celebration, the year has witnessed the birth of numerous specials and documentaries highlighting the pivotal role of the show in popular culture. Since its debut, Saturday Night Live has not only acted as a cultural informant and barometer, it has also been the platform to jumpstart the careers of some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. But, as is often the case, the funniest of them all don’t necessarily fare too well. This is the question that remains in constant focus throughout the SNL-centric documentary, I Am Chris Farley, a post-mortem look into the life and career of one of the show’s most beloved personalities.
Despite their increasing popularity in the market, the biggest hurdle of documentaries in this vein is that the subject is not present to tell their story. The filmmakers are, thus, left to struggle between either the oft-colored remembrances of talking head personalities and the insufficiently balanced archival footage. Tracking Farley’s life from birth to death, directors Brent Hodge (A Brony Tale) and Derik Murray (I Am Evel Knievel) avoid many of the pitfalls and clichés, crafting a touching film in the process.
Perhaps the film’s greatest strength lies in the brutal honesty of the interviewees. This is far from a pure fluff piece, nor does it have that “extra features” feel that similar styled documentaries offer suffer from. While Farley’s talent is never once called into question, it is clear some of those closest to him still harbor resentment over his untimely death. It is to the credit of both Hodge and Murray that this resentment is left intact.
This is particularly clear in the interview conducted with Farley’s friend and continuous onscreen partner, David Spade. Spade comes off as almost aggressive; it is obvious he is still deeply affected by the loss. While it appears as if they have made the active choice to reduce Spade’s screen time – not even appearing on screen until the film’s well underway – lesser filmmakers may have redacted these comments altogether in an effort to push the film into more glamorizing terms. Hodge and Murray present Farley’s story as it was; it’s complicated, its sad, but, with Farley as the focus, it is always lively.
Yet, I am Chris Farley is not all depression and unresolved emotions, its also full of love. Farley’s family helps to put a full picture of Chris’s life into perspective. Utilizing photos, as well as some impressive archival footage of early Second City performances, I am Chris Farley presents perhaps the most intimate and engaging depiction of Chris Farley. The documentary breathes life into the loveable clown-like caricature of his onscreen performances, leaving audiences with the image of not only the comic but also the man.
