A portrait of the artist near the end (but still fierce), this documentary about the indominitable performer invites us to reflect on the question: “Who am I without an audience, offstage?” A study of a consummate entertainer in her twilight years, about to leave New York City, her home for many years (as was Nyack in the 1980s), all too aware that her life is winding down. USA, 2013, 81 minutes, documentary, unrated
Discussion afterwards with SUNY Media Arts professor Richard Connolly, a longtime friend of Elaine Stritch.
“This is a must-see for anyone who loves theater, acting and especially individuals like Elaine Stritch unafraid to bare their souls.” – Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun-Times
If you know Elaine Stritch only for her Emmy-winning role as Alec Baldwin’s trash-talking mother on 30 Rock, you’re in for a surprise and a hell of a show. This dazzling diva of stage, screen and cabaret gets the dynamite documentary she deserves in Chiemi Karasawa’s Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me. – Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
“Formidable, indomitable, irascible: Pick your adjective, and it pretty much describes the force of nature who holds the stage in Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me.” – Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
“In Shoot Me, she wears her spiked cynicism like a cutting form of grace, and everyone around her (including audiences) gets healed by it.” – Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
