Documentary Review: Gleason (2016)
A Deep Dive into Courage and Resilience
Steve Gleason, a former NFL player, confronts a devastating ALS diagnosis with the tenacity and resilience reminiscent of his days on the football field. Directed by J. Clay Tweel, Gleason is a powerful documentary that intertwines personal video diaries with a raw and honest portrayal of his journey. The film's strength lies in its unfiltered glimpse into Gleason's life, capturing both his struggles and moments of triumph as he battles the disease while raising awareness and funds for ALS patients.
From the outset, viewers are drawn into the emotional sphere of Gleason's world, starting with intimate scenes that highlight his unwavering determination to leave a lasting legacy for his unborn son. The documentary effectively balances the somber realities of ALS with Gleason's humor and undying spirit, providing a candid perspective that few other films achieve. Tweel's direction ensures the narrative remains engaging, blending personal insights with broader social impacts.
Gleason's story is not just about his fight against ALS; it is a poignant exploration of human strength, community support, and the relentless quest for hope. The film's ability to resonate deeply with its audience underscores why it stands out in the realm of sports documentaries and personal narratives.
Documentary Overview
The documentary "Gleason" presents an intimate and emotional look at former NFL star Steve Gleason's fight with ALS. Directed by J. Clay Tweel, it captures both his personal struggles and the broader mission to raise awareness and drive research for the disease.
Synopsis
"Gleason" chronicles five years in the life of Steve Gleason, a former defensive back for the New Orleans Saints. Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Gleason begins to document his life through video diaries aimed at his unborn son. The film delves into his daily battles with the disease, his relationship with his wife Michel, and his activities with Team Gleason, a nonprofit organization focused on helping others with ALS and advocating for advancements in treatment and awareness.
The documentary’s raw footage and candid moments shed light on the devastating impact of ALS, while also highlighting Gleason’s perseverance and hope. Through personal anecdotes and public appearances, Gleason aims to inspire strength and resilience in those facing similar challenges.
Filmmaker Background
J. Clay Tweel, the director of "Gleason," has a reputation for creating compelling documentaries that resonate deeply with audiences. Prior to "Gleason," Tweel co-directed the acclaimed documentary "Print the Legend," which explores the rise of 3D printing technology. His ability to capture the human element in diverse subjects is evident in his careful treatment of Gleason’s story.
Tweel’s approach to the film involves extensive collaboration with Gleason and his family, ensuring an authentic portrayal of their experiences. His work with "Gleason" not only showcases his technical skills but also his sensitivity and commitment to telling impactful stories. This documentary solidifies Tweel’s position as a significant voice in documentary filmmaking.
Themes and Analysis
The documentary "Gleason" explores the deeply personal journey of Steve Gleason as he battles ALS. It delves into his everyday struggles, the strong bonds within his family, and his extraordinary resilience.
Living with ALS
Steve Gleason's life with ALS is portrayed with unflinching honesty. The film captures his physical decline and the daily challenges he faces, such as losing the ability to move and speak.
It also highlights the advanced technology that helps him communicate. The documentary doesn't shy away from the discomfort and pain, providing an unvarnished look at how ALS affects every aspect of life. This raw depiction fosters empathy and raises awareness about the harsh realities of the disease.
Family and Relationships
The dynamics of Steve's family are a central theme. His relationship with his wife, Michel, is depicted as one marked by deep love and unwavering support.
The film shows how Michel becomes his caregiver, a role that tests her strength and dedication. Their interactions provide insight into the emotional toll that ALS takes on loved ones. The documentary also explores Steve's role as a father, emphasizing the meaningful moments he shares with his son despite his physical limitations.
Adversity and Resilience
Resilience in the face of adversity is a key theme. Steve's determination to live purposefully, despite his diagnosis, is profoundly inspiring.
The film documents his advocacy work, including founding Team Gleason, an organization that helps ALS patients live more fully. His journey is portrayed not just as a struggle but as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to adapt and endure. His story motivates viewers to reflect on their own challenges and the power of resilience.
Production
The documentary "Gleason" effectively captures the emotional and physical journey of Steve Gleason as he battles ALS. Key aspects of the production include the filming techniques used, the narrative structure, and the music and sound design.
Filming Technique
The filmmakers employed a raw and intimate filming style, making extensive use of handheld cameras. This approach gives the documentary a personal, almost journal-like feel. Home video footage shot by Gleason himself is interspersed throughout, adding authenticity and emotional depth. The use of close-up shots emphasizes the physical and emotional struggles faced by Gleason. Lighting is kept natural, preserving the genuine atmosphere of each scene.
Narrative Structure
The documentary spans five years, chronicling Gleason's life from diagnosis to his new mission. It interweaves personal moments with broader advocacy efforts, ensuring a dynamic narrative flow. The narrative is non-linear, allowing for flashbacks that provide context about Gleason’s previous life as an NFL player. Voice-over narrations by Gleason add introspection and cohesiveness, helping to connect various timeline events seamlessly.
Music and Sound Design
Music and sound design play a critical role in "Gleason." The soundtrack features a mix of somber and uplifting music that mirrors the documentary's emotional highs and lows. Ambient sounds are used effectively to enhance real-life moments, from hospital monitors to everyday household noises. Soundscapes are carefully crafted to reflect the evolving nature of Gleason's condition, providing an auditory journey that complements the visual storytelling.
Reception
The 2016 documentary "Gleason," directed by Clay Tweel, garnered varied reactions from critics and audiences alike, achieving widespread praise and earning several nominations and accolades.
Critical Response
Critics responded to "Gleason" with significant acclaim. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 96% approval rating based on 70 reviews. Roger Ebert's site highlighted the film's combination of humor and emotional strength, capturing both the intimate and broader aspects of Steve Gleason's life with ALS. Additionally, Variety described the documentary as emotionally wrenching, emphasizing the raw, unfiltered portrayal of Gleason’s continuing challenges and triumphs. The Sundance premiere further solidified its reputation, with numerous positive reviews focusing on the film’s compelling narrative and profound impact.
Audience Reaction
Viewers were deeply moved by "Gleason," resulting in a strong audience connection and positive word-of-mouth. On IMDb, the film has garnered a substantial number of user reviews praising its honesty and authenticity. Many viewers were touched by Gleason’s journey and the unwavering support from his family, particularly his wife Michel. The film’s emotional resonance, combined with its inspirational message, left a lasting impression on audiences, many of whom cited it as a powerful and heartening experience.
Awards and Nominations
"Gleason" received various nominations and awards, underscoring its critical and popular success. At the Sundance Film Festival, where it premiered, the documentary earned praise for its storytelling and emotional depth. Additionally, it was shortlisted for Best Documentary at several film festivals and award ceremonies. The reception from both critics and audiences translated into multiple nominations, reflecting the film’s high-quality production and impactful narrative. The documentary’s powerful message and authentic portrayal of adversity were consistently recognized across the industry.
Impact and Legacy
The documentary "Gleason" has left a significant mark on both cultural perceptions of ALS and the approach to documentary filmmaking. Its emotional depth and unfiltered portrayal have established it as a touchstone in both spheres.
Cultural Impact
Gleason brought widespread attention to the realities of living with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Steve Gleason's journey resonated deeply with audiences, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges faced by those with the disease.
The film also showcased the unwavering determination and spirit of Gleason, inspiring many. It significantly influenced public sympathy and understanding towards ALS, and even spurred increased funding and research on the condition.
The documentary's impact extended to advocating for better healthcare and support systems. Gleason's "Badass Unit" demonstrated the importance of having a strong support network, changing how society views caregiving and chronic illness.
Influence on Filmmaking
Director J. Clay Tweel's approach in Gleason set new standards in documentary filmmaking. The intimate, raw footage provided an unflinching look at the progression of ALS, a decision that earned critical acclaim for its authenticity.
The film's structure, mixing personal videos with candid interviews, created a powerful narrative that avoided sensationalism. This methodology influenced other filmmakers to adopt a more honest and respectful portrayal of their subjects.
Notably, the film's success showcased the potential for documentaries to impact social issues deeply. By connecting personal stories with broader societal themes, Gleason has become a model for future documentaries aiming to bring about change.
Conclusion
Gleason offers a poignant portrayal of former NFL player Steve Gleason's perseverance in the face of ALS. The film provides an intimate look into his battle, highlighting his determination and the unwavering support of his family.
The documentary moves beyond Gleason's physical health decline to explore the emotional and psychological impacts of his condition. This dual focus adds depth and relatability.
Gleason's sense of humor and strength serve as central themes. One memorable scene features a comic moment involving a medical procedure, showcasing his ability to maintain levity despite adversity.
The inclusion of personal testimonials and raw footage grounds the narrative in reality. Viewers witness the highs and lows of Gleason's journey, making it both inspiring and heart-wrenching.
By capturing everyday moments, the documentary paints a holistic picture of the challenges faced by those living with ALS. It's a powerful narrative that underscores the importance of resilience and support networks.
Ultimately, Gleason stands out not just as a sports documentary but as a testament to human determination and the unbreakable bonds of family.
