‘Don’t cut down that scene’: ‘I Am: Celine Dion’ director on capturing singer’s seizure

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NEW YORK —

As I delved deeper into the world of Celine Dion through the making of my documentary, my perception of her transformation from a global superstar to a courageous and authentic woman became increasingly admiring. Her resilience in the face of adversity, her unwavering dedication to her craft, and her newfound advocacy for those suffering from her condition left me in awe.

Last week at Lincoln Center, I was struck by the immense turnout as I took the stage for a rare appearance. Introducing “I Am: Celine Dion,” a documentary that delves into my personal journey with stiff-person syndrome, a neurological disorder that has posed significant challenges in recent years and impacted my ability to sing – something that has been an integral part of my life since childhood.

“I’m amazed and grateful for having you, my fans, in my life,” Dion expressed, momentarily choking up as her son René-Charles Angélil passed her a tissue on stage. “From the depths of my heart, I appreciate your support throughout my journey. This film is a heartfelt message to all of you; I look forward to reuniting with you soon.”

When Director Irene Taylor received a call a few years ago inviting her to make a movie about French Canadian singer Celine Dion, whose strong vocals are famously recognized, she wasn’t overly fond of Dion’s music at the time.

In her video chat, Taylor expressed her initial doubts about the project, saying, “I honestly didn’t think it would be a good match for me. I don’t mean this with arrogance, but I wondered, ‘What could I offer to this movie?’ This isn’t the type of film I usually make.” However, she was eventually drawn in by Dion and chose to focus solely on her subject and the moment at hand. “I tried to approach it without any distractions or external influences,” Taylor explained. “I simply looked at the person in front of me and what was happening.”

The documentary currently available on Prime Video features excerpts of Dion’s concert appearances and interviews throughout her 40-year musical journey. It delves into the fundamental aspects of her biography, starting from her humble beginnings as the youngest child in a family of fourteen, growing up in Quebec. Subsequently, it explores her transformation from a popular French-Canadian teen idol to an international sensation with hits like “Because You Loved Me” and “My Heart Will Go On,” which put her at the top of the charts with powerful ballads.

In “I Am: Celine Dion,” the documentary blends old records with new footage of Celine speaking candidly about her health battles. This presentation offers a raw and intimate look into the singer’s life, revealing her emotional and physical vulnerability.

Dion’s onstage image of glamour and sparkle is now a thing of the past. In her everyday life, she rarely wears makeup and prefers casual clothes. She even makes lighthearted videos with her teenage children, displaying a quirky side that endears her to fans. Occasionally, she surprises us by bursting into songs like “Gimme a break” from Kit Kat, adding an unexpected element of fun. Her self-deprecating humor shines through in moments like her spontaneous monologues about her fondness for shoes.

In an open and straightforward manner, she shares the longevity of her health struggles in the documentary, disclosing that she had been noticing symptoms for a remarkable 17 years prior. Initially, these symptoms appeared as minor vocal issues. However, they gradually became more debilitating, compelling her to conceal her condition on stage and even cancel performances – a harsh reality for her, who is known for her relentless work ethic and deep connection with her audience.

The film memorably portrays Dion during an attack of her illness in the midst of a therapy session. Lying on a table, she suddenly goes rigid. Though barely able to make a noise, her contorted face expresses the intense pain she’s feeling. At the New York premiere, viewers could be heard sobbing throughout this scene.

Director Irene Taylor on her approach to filming Celine Dion, shown in a scene from the documentary: “I really just tried to look at the person in front of me and what was happening.”
(Amazon MGM Studios)

For approximately a year, Taylor closely observed Dion, interacting with her for around four to five days each month. She was deeply impressed by Dion’s courage and sincerity – traits that Taylor strives to portray in the movie.

As a film enthusiast, I could say it this way: “When we connected, she remained authentic and genuine towards me. So, I felt compelled to capture on film the real and unfiltered version of this remarkable woman.”

The day after the New York screening, I had a chat with The Times that has since been revised for brevity and lucidity.

Did you know about her diagnosis when you signed up to make this film?

I’ve encountered situations before where people have kept significant information from me, and this recent experience has left me feeling deceived and saddened. I had no idea about her illness when I agreed to collaborate with her. It was a complete shock to learn that she had been hiding it from everyone, including me.

At the outset, I was unsure about the film’s theme and my perspective on it. All I knew was that it would be a solo portraiture of her. She posed an intriguing query: “Can a documentary solely feature me without any other characters?” This question might seem self-absorbed to some, but she meant it sincerely. I responded by assuring her that such a project was feasible, albeit more challenging for her as it would require my undivided attention and her genuine authenticity.

Celine was completely upfront with me during our filming session at her home. Unlike some people, she didn’t ask me to halt my recording or interfere in any way. Instead, she encouraged me to go ahead and exercise my creative freedom. She even told me to disregard any doubts I might have about the project, assuring me that I had full artistic control. This level of trust and independence is a precious gift for a filmmaker documenting a public figure’s life. Furthermore, Celine didn’t meddle with my editing process or try to influence my decisions regarding the final cut. Thus, I was granted an exceptional opportunity to create without interference.

At what point did you learn about the illness?

I received a call from the record company with some unsettling news. The person on the line was accompanied by her management team, and they shared that she wasn’t feeling well but hadn’t been diagnosed yet. There seemed to be no clear consensus about what was wrong with her.

When I received that formidable diagnosis, it was then that I felt compelled to share the news with the world. My chosen platform for this revelation was Instagram – a direct and personal approach. Consequently, I adapted my filmmaking project to include her sharing her story with the audience.

Irene Taylor said she didn’t know Celine Dion had been battling a deblitating illness for years when she took on the documentary project.
(Richard Shotwell / Invision / Associated Press)

It can be quite a challenge to get celebrities and public figures to deviate from their prepared stories. So, how did you manage to secure an engaging interview with her?

I initially hesitated to create a film about Celine Dion due to her polished public image. I was skeptical, fearing she might have an ulterior motive. However, our conversation and the discovery of shared interests, such as our love for trees and raising sons, shifted my perspective. Her curiosity during our Zoom calls revealed a genuine desire to understand me better.

I produced intimately personal films featuring familiar faces, such as my parents and son. Initially, I struggled to find a place for Celine in my work. However, I later discovered that her comfort with cameras and her extensive experience under lights made her an exceptionally genuine subject. Her fame, rather than being a potential hindrance, proved advantageous due to her willingness to participate. Unbeknownst to many, she was living a hidden truth, which she openly acknowledged as a lie. Her candid self-descriptions left me in awe.

We see Dion have this very intense episode, where it’s clear she’s in excruciating pain. Tell me about filming that — what was going through your head?

In the blink of an eye, during a physical therapy session, we found ourselves in a significant moment. We had been working on recording music for two consecutive days after a long hiatus. Filled with joy and accomplishment, she left feeling ecstatic, unaware that her heightened emotions could lead to such an unexpected situation. With the camera rolling after eight months of filming, we hesitated but didn’t stop. I put my headphones on, straining to hear any sign of her breathing. When I asked if she was alright and saw her squeeze the therapist’s hand in response, we continued capturing the moment.

Around the forty-minute mark of the episode, her therapist brought up the presence of the cameras in the room and asked for her permission. I held my breath, unsure how she would respond. To my relief, she agreed. The realization hit me that this could be a chance, if Celine was willing, to authentically portray and validate her pain.

Approximately half a year had passed, and I presented a preliminary version of the movie to her. I was filled with apprehension. I recognized that I could not proceed without her approval. She responded, “I believe this film may benefit me.” Later on, she added, “Please keep that scene intact.”

How did this project change your perception of her? Are you a fan now, or at least an admirer?

As a movie buff and filmmaker myself, I understand the importance of staying grounded and not getting carried away by external influences. However, I must admit, this woman’s determination and passion left me inspired. We’re around the same age, but her struggles have made me realize how fortunate I am to be healthy. Despite her hardships, she continues to find joy in creating music and I believe she will emerge with a powerful new project. It may not be the same polished performance we’re used to, but it could represent a fresh artistic approach or a new way of connecting with audiences. What’s more, she is deeply committed to advocating for those suffering from this disease.

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2024-07-18 21:08