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Martin Short: Comedy, Tragedy, and 90% Failure
12 May
Summary
- Documentary explores Martin Short's life with both joy and personal tragedy.
- Short humorously estimates his career success rate at 90% failure.
- The film emphasizes the importance of a loving relationship over loss.
Lawrence Kasdan's documentary, 'Marty, Life Is Short,' offers a touching exploration of Martin Short's life and career. The film navigates a spectrum of emotions, from the comedic brilliance of Short's alter ego, Jiminy Glick, to moments of profound gravity. Kasdan, a longtime friend, directs this tribute with an affectionate lens, moving beyond a simple career retrospective to reveal a more personal portrait of Short.
The documentary emphasizes resilience in the face of setbacks, with Short humorously estimating his career failure rate at 90 percent. It highlights how a life filled with joy and meaningful work choices can mitigate the impact of failures and tragedies, including the loss of his parents, brother, and wife. These personal losses are acknowledged but not dwelled upon, reflecting Short's approach to life.
'Life Is Short' also showcases Short's deep connections with collaborators like Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy, as well as intimate home movie footage from personal gatherings. These moments underscore a central theme: the nourishing power of love and relationships, particularly his enduring bond with his late wife, Nancy Dolman, which serves as a powerful counterpoint to personal devastation.
