"I Am: Celine Dion" documentary - Official Topic

[tshlw]

Not sure how to start this maybe to explain where coming from. My sister passed away unexpectedly a year and a half ago. After she passed we had to clear out her stuff including her room. In it she had things like tax returns back to 1984 this is just one crazy thing among all there was. I say all this to wonder about what will happen to these warehouses of Celine's stuff when she does pass, many decades from now I hope.

 

I say all this to say I feel sorry for her kids who will be tasked with what to do with all of it. Hopefully she has made provisions of what she wants done. I get she feels this need for all of it but I do hope at some point she donates or sells or something with it all and does not leave it for her kids to have to deal with. They are just things it is the memories that matter. Make videos or take pictures of it all but holding on to it just become a burden to those left behind. Are her kids just going to continue to pay rent on these buildings and have all these things just waste away. Maybe she could open a museum or a have a show or something. I hope no one thinks I am being cruel I just know how hard it is to have to go through a loved ones things and decide what to do with it all.

[tshlw]

Yet another great interview with Irene: https://www.wmagazin...ector-interview

 

(There's more to the article, just pasting the interview bit.)

 

"Why did Celine want to make this film?

 

I think it was the pandemic, and her slowing down—she became very reconnected with her kids. As she put it, "I was being brave for 17 years, not telling anyone about this, except my close friends and my family, but now it was time to be smart." She realized she was a single mother, and she did not want to orphan her children. She was driving herself so hard, and she was propping herself up on medication so that she could walk and function.

 

For 17 years, she's been struggling this?

 

For 17 years. She talked about how much Valium she took. Celine is not a pill-popper. She doesn't drink. She's very straight. If she's addicted to anything, it's singing and telling jokes.

 

There isn't much talk of her personal life, but the scenes of her experiencing symptoms are extremely vulnerable. What boundaries did she have with filming?

 

She did not give me any boundaries. It's my understanding that she watched some of my films, and had a sense of where I go and don't go. Celine told me things that a different kind of filmmaker would've taken and ran with. I was really not interested in answering 10-year-old questions about gossip. I was sort of blissfully unaware of that stuff, because I didn't research her. I was not a fan. I respected her, and grew up with her. I could sing plenty of her songs. But once I found out she was sick, I was really only interested in what was right in front of me.

 

It's clear how responsible she feels for everyone around her. Did you ever think she was too hard on herself?

 

My personal feeling is that she was too hard on herself, but I put myself in her shoes, and I get it. People would be like, "How can you be so sick if you just did this very athletic performance last night? How is that possible?" We all know what it's like to feel invalidated. Throughout history, the word hysteria has been correlated with womanhood. She was worried about people just not believing her. When she lost the fan component, it was a really hard adjustment for her.

 

What do you think, or hope, is next for her?

 

You could say that Celine is technically disabled by this disease. It may be that she's no longer hitting the so-called money notes, but now she's singing with a different kind of intensity. Maybe she's choosing a different repertoire. Maybe she's going to collaborate with new artists that she wouldn't have thought to collaborate with, or new songwriters. It may be that she's taken out of the pop music canon and put into some new place, so that this disability is actually a superpower. There's going to be something on the other side of this, and we're going to hear a lot from her."

 

 

Lots to digest there, such as - " Celine told me things that a different kind of filmmaker would've taken and ran with. I was really not interested in answering 10-year-old questions about gossip."

Hmmm

 

I do wish maybe we did get some answers not to gossip but just to questions we have had. Like when did the pills get so bad and did none of her friends and family try and get her to stop? What does she feel now about some of the things she did during those years? I don't want tawdry things just want to know more what those 17 years were like.

[scielle]

Another great interview with Irene: https://globalnews.c...dical-episodes/

 

"It's almost like she had these anonymous friendships [with fans]. It was very hard for her to have compassion for herself, I think, because she felt like she was whining."

 

YouTube version of same video:

 

Edited June 21, 2024 at 07:33 PM by scielle

[PuraVida]

One thing I've been thinking about - the way Celine talks about the burden of "lying" she has been carrying, mostly regarding the cancellation of shows.

 

Did I miss something? I never knew her as a serial canceller of her concerts. I'm sure there were dates here and there, but I don't remember us ever flagging this as serious pattern in her tours or residencies. It feels like there is a disconnect between how she talks about it and my experience as a fan.

[ScotieG]

I think it’s just because she’s incredibly conscientious.

[Abodi2002]

One thing I've been thinking about - the way Celine talks about the burden of "lying" she has been carrying, mostly regarding the cancellation of shows.

 

Did I miss something? I never knew her as a serial canceller of her concerts. I'm sure there were dates here and there, but I don't remember us ever flagging this as serious pattern in her tours or residencies. It feels like there is a disconnect between how she talks about it and my experience as a fan.

i’ll try to list all canceled or rescheduled shows. If someone knows more lmk. Rescheduled some in March 2008, then again in October and November? Canceled all Febuary and March 2012. Canceled some Febuary 2013 shows, then again in July 2014. A few after Renae’s death were canceled, then a couple others. Most early 2018 Vegas shows. Finally rescheduled Montreal 2019 shows, and a couple after Newark 2020. Overall considering her schedule not that many. Edited June 21, 2024 at 08:56 PM by Abodi2002

[mirage]

Spoiler warning for this Deadline review (https://deadline.com/2024/06/i-am-celine-dion-review-raw-gut-wrenching-documentary-most-challenging-physical-trauma-1235980156/) but -

 

Given the keys to 800 hours of previously unseen archival video and photos over the last 50 years from Dions vault

 

This, and the warehouses no wonder Celine employs full-time archivists!

And why can't we get even something 'new' released?!

 

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-F721B met Tapatalk

 

 

[Nmj]

And why can't we get even something 'new' released?!

 

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-F721B met Tapatalk

 

Double edged sword both a blessing and curse having Irene Taylor at the helm. I think ultimately she was the right person to film the character profile of Celine, however she self admits that she’s not really a fan of her music and didn’t research her… therefore all the content was “new” for her. In a way in terms of the film we got lucky that it ended up being mostly about her “now” because If Irene would’ve been in charge of a documentary solely about Celine’s career I don’t think it would’ve have brought anything new to the table. Maybe down the road Sony will do another documentary about Celine where the focus is the career and the music and now wasn’t the time after this diagnosis happened.

Edited June 21, 2024 at 09:27 PM by Nmj

[scielle]

Maybe down the road Sony will do another documentary about Celine where the focus is the career and the music and now wasn’t the time after this diagnosis happened.

 

What I’d love is another autobiography. So much has happened since the GH Germain books.

[tshlw]

One thing I've been thinking about - the way Celine talks about the burden of "lying" she has been carrying, mostly regarding the cancellation of shows.

 

Did I miss something? I never knew her as a serial canceller of her concerts. I'm sure there were dates here and there, but I don't remember us ever flagging this as serious pattern in her tours or residencies. It feels like there is a disconnect between how she talks about it and my experience as a fan.

i'll try to list all canceled or rescheduled shows. If someone knows more lmk. Rescheduled some in March 2008, then again in October and November? Canceled all Febuary and March 2012. Canceled some Febuary 2013 shows, then again in July 2014. A few after Renae's death were canceled, then a couple others. Most early 2018 Vegas shows. Finally rescheduled Montreal 2019 shows, and a couple after Newark 2020. Overall considering her schedule not that many.

 

This Wiki page list cancelled shows for the Celine residency.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celine_(concert_residency)#Cancelled_shows

 

I believe she just feels so responsible when cancels and that the fan spent money and time to come see her and then she puts an undue burden on herself. Then add to that she felt was lying any amount of shows probably even just cancelling even one gets to her.

 

What we will never know is how much was SPS and what was being sick.

Edited June 21, 2024 at 09:36 PM by tshlw

[tshlw]

Maybe down the road Sony will do another documentary about Celine where the focus is the career and the music and now wasn't the time after this diagnosis happened.

What I'd love is another autobiography. So much has happened since the GH Germain books.

 

I hope both happen. Maybe for the 50 anniversary of her career in 2031 we can get a doc celebrating her life and accomplishments. I want both her music and life with her giving her perspective on things that happened.

 

Also a book going into more detail of the things she went through would be nice.

[PuraVida]

I think it's just because she's incredibly conscientious.

 

Having said what I said, someone posted in the Youtube thread a video from 2012 where she cancelled 5 weeks of shows due to a "virus". But at the time, that sort of stuff seemed par for the course. Things happen. But Celine takes it so hard. I never saw her as being unreasonable when it came to this stuff. There are certain artists who have gotten a notorious reputation for always being late, cancelling shows, etc... for me, Celine never fell into that category.

 

But I understand even one cancelled show is too much for her. At the same time, I wish she felt fans are empathetic and understanding when stuff like this occurs. Especially since she was honest that it was for health reasons, even if she didn't say the "real" health reason at times.

[mirage]

 

 

 

Double edged sword both a blessing and curse having Irene Taylor at the helm. I think ultimately she was the right person to film the character profile of Celine, however she self admits that shes not really a fan of her music and didnt research her therefore all the content was new for her. In a way in terms of the film we got lucky that it ended up being mostly about her now because If Irene wouldve been in charge of a documentary solely about Celines career I dont think it wouldve have brought anything new to the table. Maybe down the road Sony will do another documentary about Celine where the focus is the career and the music and now wasnt the time after this diagnosis happened.

 

Sorry I mean more like why can't we get something 'new' from Sony.

 

With all that footage in the archives they could have done something. Somehow I hope that Amazon has made a deal and her shows become available for streaming.

Maybe some new ones as well.

 

And yeah I would LOVE a documentary that will focus on the career and music. All the huge events etc.

 

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-F721B met Tapatalk

 

 

[Nmj]

 

 

 

 

Sorry I mean more like why can't we get something 'new' from Sony.

 

With all that footage in the archives they could have done something. Somehow I hope that Amazon has made a deal and her shows become available for streaming.

Maybe some new ones as well.

 

And yeah I would LOVE a documentary that will focus on the career and music. All the huge events etc.

 

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-F721B met Tapatalk

 

Let’s stream the crap outta this doc on their platform starting the 25th and maybe they’ll be more inclined to sign another deal with Celine and Sony in the future. Her idiotic team not helping at all in the promotion of this documentary can’t help. Look at JLOs terrible films with their company and yet she and her team didn’t shy away from doing everything in their power to promote it. Do better team Celine and Sony.

Edited June 21, 2024 at 10:13 PM by Nmj

[PuraVida]

Honestly the best thing in the world would be for them to give fans access to the archives...we could actually collectively spend the time it takes to go through it and find the best bits.

 

And her team is crap at Promo, but they have been posting stuff to their Insta stories with the playlist and about how she's in Times Square etc. Of course, as usual, they deleted one of the IG stories and reposted for one reason or another.

 

I saw the documentary. Amazon also has a Roger Federer documentary that just got released, I am interested to compare the two in terms of content and also viewership. He's also a worldwide star, so it's an interesting comparison in some ways. I want to see how intimate and revealing that doc feels compared to Celine's.

[idroveallnight]

We need to contact Sony HQ and demand a new social media producer. Preferably a fan who knows what they’re doing and solicits feedback from this forum.

[Nmj]

We need to contact Sony HQ and demand a new social media producer. Preferably a fan who knows what they’re doing and solicits feedback from this forum.

 

I’m not usually a person who takes part in this kind of thing, but at this point I 100% agree.. please coordinate a way for us to do this and I’ll be happy to do my part. This team is its own worst enemy.

[idroveallnight]

I’m not usually a person who takes part in this kind of thing, but at this point I 100% agree.. please coordinate a way for us to do this and I’ll be happy to do my part. This team is its own worst enemy.

 

Need to flood them with emails and phone calls. Also get in touch with Celine’s new manager. So many missed opportunities in the last few days.

[Nmj]

Rotten Tomatoes now has 12 reviews and still as of now holding the 100% rating!

 

 

 

Radheyan Simonpillai

CTV's Your Morning

TOP CRITIC

Fresh score.

“We all know we can listen to Celine Dion sing forever. What I learned from this doc is that we can also watch Celine Dion, a hilarious and animated personality, sort through her closet forever”

 

 

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_am_celine_dion/reviews

Edited June 22, 2024 at 01:07 AM by Nmj

[jpatdeleon09]

Do you guys think the docu from prime (streaming) will be longer than on theaters? Usually? They do it in documentaries and sometimes in movies as well Edited June 22, 2024 at 02:25 AM by jpatdeleon09

[chloejsing]

Just saw the film and oh my goodness… I am in awe of her strength and how she maintains her sense of humor throughout everything. Such a beautiful film but what an emotional rollercoaster. so powerful. I am so grateful she is surrounded by such a compassionate medical team, they take such good care of her. I’m rooting for her. I don’t want her to stress herself out too much trying to get back on stage. I just want her to be healthy and enjoy her family and her life. I know she wants to be back on stage so bad but I just hope she knows we aren’t going anywhere and she doesn’t need to rush anything. One day at a time.

I will definitely be rewatching on June 25! 💖

[kaye2023]

I doubt very many people knew or were allowed to know. The handful that did, I can easily see them as falling under the "If you don't like it, I don't want to hear it" box. As much as Céline seems genuinely sweet and kind, it's not hard to see very stubborn side, dipping on obsessive compulsive, if she has a justification in her mind and, well, she controls the purse strings (thus makes the rules). I really do not think anyone, family or friend, could have stopped her, just like in so many other cases of addiction. Heck, this is not much different from other celebrities who addicted to coke and others to keep up with workload, tour skeds, to find bursts of energy for performances, mask stage fright/anxiety-- they justify that take to be able to perform.

 

My beef is with the doctor who prescribed such amounts without suspicion of abuse; or if Céline found an, uh, alternative way to source it, she obviously had to have an idea she was abusing it (because an ethical doctor's refusal would have made her ask "Why not?") so the "I didn't realize the dosage could have killed me" doesn't fly with me.

 

The silver lining is, she knew she had to end the dependence.

 

I'm curious if she tried CBD oil. And during that round of interviews, she always added "And others that could have killed me" whenever the interviewer comes in with "... and that you started taking Valium".. I'm curious what these mysterious 'others' are, but I know that is an excessive ask lol

 

I do wish maybe we did get some answers not to gossip but just to questions we have had. Like when did the pills get so bad and did none of her friends and family try and get her to stop? What does she feel now about some of the things she did during those years? I don't want tawdry things just want to know more what those 17 years were like.

[tshlw]

I doubt very many people knew or were allowed to know. The handful that did, I can easily see them as falling under the "If you don't like it, I don't want to hear it" box. As much as Céline seems genuinely sweet and kind, it's not hard to see very stubborn side, dipping on obsessive compulsive, if she has a justification in her mind and, well, she controls the purse strings (thus makes the rules). I really do not think anyone, family or friend, could have stopped her, just like in so many other cases of addiction. Heck, this is not much different from other celebrities who addicted to coke and others to keep up with workload, tour skeds, to find bursts of energy for performances, mask stage fright/anxiety-- they justify that take to be able to perform.

 

My beef is with the doctor who prescribed such amounts without suspicion of abuse; or if Céline found an, uh, alternative way to source it, she obviously had to have an idea she was abusing it (because an ethical doctor's refusal would have made her ask "Why not?") so the "I didn't realize the dosage could have killed me" doesn't fly with me.

 

The silver lining is, she knew she had to end the dependence.

 

I'm curious if she tried CBD oil. And during that round of interviews, she always added "And others that could have killed me" whenever the interviewer comes in with "... and that you started taking Valium".. I'm curious what these mysterious 'others' are, but I know that is an excessive ask lol

 

Yes you are probably right about her being stubborn and thinking she can handle it all and felt had to be brave after Rene passed. Sure with who she is hard for anyone to be really close to her.

 

I also wonder how she got a prescription for that much. Also valium relaxes and can make you sleepy so was she taking something else to counter act that? It is so scary to think what might have been if Covid had not happened.

[GoldenLeaf]

One thing I've been thinking about - the way Celine talks about the burden of "lying" she has been carrying, mostly regarding the cancellation of shows.

 

Did I miss something? I never knew her as a serial canceller of her concerts. I'm sure there were dates here and there, but I don't remember us ever flagging this as serious pattern in her tours or residencies. It feels like there is a disconnect between how she talks about it and my experience as a fan.

I don't get the whole burden of "lying" either . To me she never lied to us. When she was cancelling shows we knew it was because she was truly feeling unwell and we knew perfectly she was not faking being sick just to get some days off here and there. We were even aware that she had lower back spasms in late 2017 and had to cancel shows because of that. Of course at the time she couldn't have possibly told us she had SPS because she wasn't even diagnosed.

Edited June 22, 2024 at 05:02 AM by GoldenLeaf

[ewh12]

I think "lying" can carry a double burden for Céline when you feel that you let your fans down but also, the employees that work on your show. Hopefully performers/techs are paid a salary but if they're paid for each show, i mean.. thats still less money they may have earned. Regardless of money though, her cancelling is one less minute they are doing something they love too. If you are compassionate about the people around you, I can only imagine how difficult cancelling could feel like. Edited June 22, 2024 at 05:02 AM by ewh12

[jpatdeleon09]

From Celine’s Instagram:

 

https://www.instagram.com/stories/celinedion/3395519971386571599?igsh=MXYwMWRoaDY4aGF5ZA==

 

https://www.instagram.com/stories/celinedion/3395541221030844624?igsh=MWt1bTN0c2VmN2dlcg==

[jpatdeleon09]

I think the burden that Celine feels is not yet releasing PLAY ME LIKE A LOVE SONG felt that the fans were disappointed

[CourageProject]

I think the burden that Celine feels is not yet releasing PLAY ME LIKE A LOVE SONG felt that the fans were disappointed

Yes so they thought instead we should enlighten the fans with "Soul" and "Baby"

[PuraVida]

I don't get the whole burden of "lying" either . To me she never lied to us. When she was cancelling shows we knew it was because she was truly feeling unwell and we knew perfectly she was not faking being sick just to get some days off here and there. We were even aware that she had lower back spasms in late 2017 and had to cancel shows because of that. Of course at the time she couldn't have possibly told us she had SPS because she wasn't even diagnosed.

 

I agree, but she's very insistent on that framing. I find it very sad that one of the reasons she wanted to make the documentary is because she didn't want her fans or the public to think she wasn't actually sick and that she was faking it. She wanted to let us know what was going on.

 

But the thing is, we weren't actually left in the dark after she made her announcement or her diagnosis. We then knew it was SPS. Granted, we didn't know how it looked for her daily life behind closed doors, but none of us would ever think she would fake something like that. Regardless, she imprisoned herself over this, to paraphrase her own words. Ever since around the year 2000, the phrase was "I don't have to prove myself anymore" ... and yet she still felt like she had to prove her illness to the world.

[scielle]

So Irene got her award at the Portland Art Museum last night and Celine did the intro video for her. You can see on PAM’s IG stories: https://www.instagram.com/stories/pam_cut/3395886865083762147?igsh=cTJlNmMxdXJoeGZj