by Eurocheese
This year’s AFI Fest opened with a spotlight on pop star Selena Gomez under the direction of Alek Keshishian, who famously brought us Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991). The film kicks off promoting Gomez’s music and telling the audience her backstory, walking us through a career she began at 7 years old on the show Barney & Friends. She has been consistently working since that time, turning 30 this past summer. We learn about the physical toll lupus took on her, an emotionally exhausting period which led her to a breakdown stemming from her bipolar disease. Her decision to go public with her diagnosis ties into her statement later in the film that she is driven by her focus on what to do next when facing hurdles...
Since this documentary focuses on honesty, I should start with a disclaimer – I watched this at home through Apple+ because I missed the premiere. One of the themes that stands out, as in many films reflecting performers’ lives, is the constant buzz of an overwhelming work schedule. Assistants do their best to build up her energy so she can move to the next project. Gomez states at one point that she needs a break, and as her assistants attempt to respond, she counters that she has work to do. This appears to be a pattern. When addressing her escapism, her team hints that she needs to consider what next steps would be best for her wellbeing. She takes breaks when she is forced to.
At one point she senses that an assistant feels she is ungrateful, and she calls it out immediately. She is self-critical, searching for ways to make a positive impact. One of her physical tells when she feels overwhelmed is partially hiding her face from the camera, retreating momentarily. Though her work ethic isn't an uncommon story for famous performers, seeing it up close in someone so young is uncomfortable.
She is asked during set up for an interview if she knows what she’s doing, and she cheekily responds, “Nope! I work better that way.” Watching a portrait like this, the audience just hopes she finds the balance that brings her peace. She states at the end of the film that she has found it and we hope that it's true. B-