It can often be easy to mistake the artist for the art and to confuse the persona with the person. However, in rare instances, we are allowed a rare glimpse behind a glittery curtain to get a front-row seat into the extraordinary lives of celebrities.  Few stars have shone as bright or lived a life as astonishing as that of Canadian songstress Céline Dion, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone anywhere in the wired world who hasn’t heard her voice or chest-thumped their way through a karaoke version of her songs. 

International fame came early for the now iconic artist, and her life has been mainly lived in the public eye with her pain and loss experienced in front of the cameras.  Devoted fans have been there along the way, through the devastating loss of her husband, René Angélil, in 2016 and the cancellation of her most recent tour.  Initially shrouded in mystery, it wasn’t until December 2022 that details finally emerged about why the global superstar, who had sold over 200 million records and become one of the most successful female recording artists of all time, was forced to bow out.

Oscar-nominated director Irene Taylor’s new documentary I Am: Céline Dion offers a unique perspective on the iconic singer’s life.   With Dion as the primary contributor, Taylor’s doc provides an intimate look at how the singer has reshaped her life amidst a series of personal tragedies and her subsequent battle with a rare neurological disorder, Stiff-person syndrome (SPS). This raw and revelatory approach to storytelling allows us to see the woman behind the chart-topping music and the challenges she’s faced as a wife, mother, daughter, and sister that have helped prepare her for the battle ahead.

Less of a straight-up biopic, the film traces Dion’s journey from a humble beginning in Quebec, the youngest of 14 children, to her meteoric ascent as a top recording artist with a career that has spanned decades.  Now living with her three children in the Las Vegas suburb she calls home, Taylor lets Dion open up about her career highs and speak poignantly about the personal lows she has faced.  Through unfiltered footage, we observe Dion’s reflecting as she grapples with the limitations imposed by her condition, a stark contrast to the invincible force of nature warrior vibe she exudes on stage.

One of the film’s most striking aspects is the remarkable candor with which Dion approaches her diagnosis and subsequent public announcement.  A profound layer of vulnerability is achieved by bravely sharing her journey of living with SPS.  SPS, a condition characterized by progressive muscular rigidity and debilitating spasms, has had a profound impact on Dion’s life and career.  Her voice is so recognizable that when you hear how much SPS has chipped away at it, it helps to shed more light on this little-known disorder, showcasing the immense physical and emotional toll it has taken on the singer.

Dion’s resilience shines through it all, and she holds nothing back.  Her willingness to bare her soul is courageous and deeply captivating, encouraging audiences to form a deeper connection with the idea of an icon they only thought they knew.  Allowing the cameras to capture her most private moments, from COVID-era innocuous celebrations with her children to painful incidents with her health as she works to walk a path to recovery.  One particularly poignant moment finds her recording the title track to her 2023 film, Love Again, and fighting to make it through short phrases without cracking.  Don’t be surprised if you’re fighting back tears right along with her.

Even with these intense moments, the film sometimes works against itself.  Editing issues and the occasional lack of a cohesive narrative make the overall portrait a bit disjointed.  While well-intentioned, some decisions border on the indulgent, painting a picture of privilege that may keep a viewer at a distance from Dion’s relatable humanity.  In the grand arc of the story being told, I’m not sure how necessary scenes were of Dion and her children sending their black butler a ‘get-well’ message when he contracted COVID: “Sorry you have to rest!”, followed by one when he delivers a perfect strawberry milkshake on a (I’m not joking) silver platter to one of her twins as the young boy lounges on a couch.

Yet it’s the documentary’s final moments where we get an unflinching glimpse into Dion’s daily battle with SPS.  As Taylor’s camera silently observes, Dion has an excruciating spasm that almost turns life-threatening.  It’s a harrowing, white-knuckle scene because, at that moment, Dion’s larger-than-life celebrity completely vanishes, and her vulnerability as a human being emerges.  For her to allow the filmmaker that kind of access is eye-opening and gives a greater dignity and grace to others around the world facing the harsh realities of the disease. 

I Am: Céline Dion, while not without its flaws, offers a compelling portrait of an artist who is determined to transcend adversity.  Whenever Dion (nearly always without make-up, still, and reflective) is onscreen discussing her struggle, it becomes a compelling portrait of an artist committed to making it back to her fans.  Through the lens of her life, we can be reminded of the universal struggles we all face and how much courage it can take to confront them head-on.  It’s a fitting tribute to a mega-star who has touched the hearts of millions and confirms the strength within us all.  Whether you’re a die-hard Dion-er or a casual Céline-aphile, this film is a must-see – a poignant exploration of fame with a new perspective on the woman behind the music.