Marty: Life is Short

Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, Marty: Life is Short details the life and times of Martin Short – from his early beginnings in Canada to his eventual success in Hollywood, with the picture also focusing heavily on the tragedies he’s experienced over the years. Filmmaker Kasdan delivers an increasingly compelling documentary that benefits from its heavy emphasis on behind-the-scenes footage and in-person interviews, although it’s equally apparent that Kasdan’s initial decision to flood the proceedings with clips of Martin’s various characters and on-screen appearances can be a little oppressive. Such concerns are rendered moot by a midsection and second half that grows more and more engrossing (and more and more emotionally resonant), and it’s clear, ultimately, that Marty: Life is Short‘s greatest asset is Short himself and his irresistibly optimistic outlook even in the face of soul-crushing obstacles – which does, in the end, confirm the movie’s place as a first-class portrait of a justifiably iconic (and beloved) performer.

***1/2 out of ****