THE PLOT THUS FAR
A ferocious, funny, and poignant portrait of the one-of-a-kind Broadway legend still belting out Sondheim numbers at age 87, this documentary tribute showcases the brash, uncompromising Tony and Emmy winner both onstage and off. The film captures her immeasurable charm, acerbic wit, and impressive accomplishments with candid footage and interviews with friends and collaborators, including Sondheim, Tina Fey, and Nathan Lane. Sparkling with Stritch’s delightful character, this film is an inspiring portrait of an American treasure.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Shoot Me” seems like a rough title when you consider Stritch’s relationship with the late Gig Young. While the documentary plays short, it manages to capture everything that makes Elaine Stritch tic. She knocks out musical numbers, berates Alec Baldwin and then controls the camera with every word out of her mouth. She deserves every accolade she has ever received and you are constantly reminded that she is acting royalty. But, why isn’t she recognized by more people?
Theatrical performers in America should be revered with the passion that we used to show War Heroes. These guys and gals have something important to say about a dying art that we’re only growing farther away with each push into Digital Distribution and Viral Videos. The living theater is a dying venue that is reserved more for Coastal types than the rest of America. Everyone in the middle chunks of the country have to venture to Steppenwolf or wait for a broadcast of a capture performance. Still, nothing is as right as watching a legend own your ass in a crowded theater. Throughout all 81 minutes of this film, Elaine Stritch never lets you forget that this is her show and we’re merely people that snuck in to watch.
The DVD comes with a trailer, deleted scenes, outtakes and a photo shoot as the special features. The A/V Quality is typical for standard definition. The transfer is flat with little punch-up. But, the Dolby 5.1 track kicks up where needed. In the end, I’d recommend a rental or streaming it.
RELEASE DATE: 06/24/2014