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Mike Myers hasn’t been seen much on screen in recent years, the last acting appearance of the star of Wayne’s World and Austin Powers coming courtesy of a supporting part in 2009’s Inglorious Basterds. Though he features among the talking heads seen in Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon, the documentary doesn’t drastically change his cinematic absence – but it does provide him with a new role, marking his first foray as a director.
Here, the movie’s tale belongs not to its comedian turned helmer but to the talent manager who gives the film its moniker – both by lending his own, and by inspiring the term of endearment that accompanies it. From obtaining illicit substances for musicians, to engineering their ascent to fame, Shep Gordon has overseen the careers of many a well-known name; however his impact, longevity and all-round nice-guy status have seen him become an icon in his own right. Myers describes him as the quintessential example of his profession, with a wealth of other celebrities – Michael Douglas, Steven Tyler, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Arnold and more – furnishing their agreement. Gordon’s own retellings further his fable as he sheds light upon his backstage manoeuvrings.
As Alice Cooper’s manager for 43 years, much of his fate is tied to the shock rocker, who contributes heartily to the talking-heads array. Many of the happy yarns spun overlap with the documentary Super Duper Alice Cooper, though thankfully plenty of new tales splinter out from their accounts. Some involve Cooper, chickens and controversy; others speak of Gordon’s smarts and savvy in other professional circumstances. Hearing about sharing joint custody of a cat with Cary Grant, and learning how he made Anne Murray a star and turned Teddy Pendergrass into a sex symbol, rank among the documentary’s highlights. Later detours, chronicling his imprint within the film industry, and his pioneering in celebrity chef territory, are suitably informative.
With such an influential figure as its subject, and with so many slices of his life to include, Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon is never better than when it lets its namesake do the talking, shot against a sunny skyline or stacked bookcase, and ever-at-ease speaking openly about his experiences. His anecdotes and reflections ripple with honesty that eclipses the contributions of others singing his praises, however prominent they may be. That’s not to say that the others who celebrate his merits don’t sound genuine, their fondness clearly stemming from friendship. What well-meaning hero worship can’t match is the inimitable sense of intimacy that emanates from the source himself, and remaining as jovial and thoughtful when discussing his personal affairs as when recounting his working achievements.
Of course, Gordon, his high-powered pals, Myers and co-director and producer Beth Aala (Pool Party) don’t share everything, offering up a tribute over a true tell-all. Indeed, the film’s entire existence stems from and brims with affection, befitting the mensch label – meaning a person of integrity and honour – directed Gordon’s way from the outset. The overwhelming idolatry dictates the documentary’s stylistic choices, or lack thereof, confidence in the strength of the central character and his many stories justifying the simple montage of old footage, photographs and interviews to camera. And it works, mostly, ensuring that the lightweight and light-hearted film focuses on creating a legend from the wild tales and the warm man of the title with as an approving and uncritical eye as it wants from its audience – an approach befitting Gordon, and Myers as well.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
Directors: Mike Myers and Beth Aala
USA, 2013, 85 mins
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
https://www.acmi.net.au/film/seasons-and-screenings/supermensch-the-legend-of-shep-gordon/
27 December – 13 January
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