Josh Reviews Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me
I knew of Elaine Stritch mostly from her spectacular recurring role on 30 Rock as Jack (Alec Baldwin)’s imposing mother. But that was more than enough to interest me in Chiemi Karasawa’s recent documentary about her, titled Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me.
Filmed in 2013 and released in February, 2014 (only a few months before Ms. Stritch sadly passed away in July), the film gives us a look back at her incredible life and career while also following her efforts to launch a new tour, in which she would perform songs by Stephen Sondheim.
At eighty-seven years old, Ms. Stritch was long past the age at which most people should undertake such an enormous endeavor. And indeed, in the film there are some unsettling moments in which we see Ms. Stritch struggling with her performance — her ability to remember her lines, her ability to hit her notes, and all the stamina needed for such a tour. These moments are hard to watch. It is toughest when Ms. Stritch herself is forced to confront the limitations imposed on her by her age.
But the film is also incredibly joyous and life-affirming. It is incredible to watch this grande old dame fight through her limitations and press onward, not giving up, not giving in and fading away into a quiet retirement.
And, of course the primary joy of the film, and, I would say, the primary reason to watch it, is to get to spend some time with this incredible, irrepressable personality. Ms. Stritch was perfect casting on 30 Rock, and there is quite a lot of Colleen Donaghy in her. She is an absolute hoot, saying exactly what she is thinking and not pulling punches with anyone. It is incredible fun getting to watch her interactions with everyone around her. (I particularly loved getting to know the woman who has become something of an assistant to Ms. Stritch, after having gotten sucked into the powerful gravity-well of Ms. Stritch’s personality.)
Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me is a great little film, and a worthy swan-song for this incredible woman who so recently passed away. For anyone who knew her broadway work, and for any younger fans like me who only got to know her through 30 Rock, this is a film worth seeing.