by Patrice Downing, Contributing Writer
When I flipped on the new Netflix documentary Marty, Life is Short, I was obviously expecting a lot of laughs. What I was also surprised to find woven into this glorious blanket of buffoonery, however, is a love story. Martin Short has the kind of career even those of us outside of the entertainment industry covet. In his youth, he knew singing, acting, and making people laugh was the path he wanted to follow; he gave himself a year to make it happen, and the rest is pop culture history. Literally. Short has worked with some of the absolute funniest people to ever walk the earth – done so on both the big and small screens, as well as the stage – and been nominated for awards in all three. And that brings us to the love story. While Short and his wife, Nancy Dolman, had the kind of marriage even the happiest of couples could envy, the relationships he has built with friends over the decades are equally full of love, respect, and joy.
Marty, Life is Short is presented visually as you might expect for a biographical documentary through the use of archival footage, interviews (family, friends, and colleagues), home movies, personal pictures, and of course, discourse with the man himself. What sets this portrait apart is the underlying love story being told, not only of Short’s lovingly, whimsical marriage, but of many of those who found themselves pulled into his orbit over the decades. I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to confirm that someone whose work you’ve followed and enjoyed actually is a decent human being. I know that through the lens of a documentary, that can sometimes be a skewed perspective, leaving it up to viewers to interpret the information provided within the confines of the film.
However, every single person interviewed throughout the film speaks with adulation for Short, while simultaneously speaking to his grounded nature. Close friend Steve Martin provides the perfect example when he casually mentions how Short doesn’t just hobnob with directors and co-stars but takes the time to get to know the production assistants on a project. Short reinforces the assertion on more than one occasion. When reminiscing about his childhood growing up as the youngest of five, he refers to his humor being the result of “trickle-down comedy” thanks to an abundance of love and attention from both his parents and siblings. Early on, Short quips, “I’d say my career has been 80% failure and I think those are pretty good odds.” What an amazing outlook on a success rate most would consider daunting. Of course, success at his level, even in the 20 percent range, is still pretty phenomenal but I still admire the optimism.
Interviews with Short are arguably the most entertaining part of the film. Much like last year’s John Candy: I Like Me and I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, there are all kinds of archival SCTV, SNL, and film clips mixed in between a healthy sampling of home movies and personal photos. And this is where we start getting an absolute barrage of comedy royalty singing Short’s praises. Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, sister-in-law Andrea Martin, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Conan O’Brien, and John Mulaney pop up throughout the film, providing context as the biographical story is told. But his career is hardly the only aspect of his life they laud. Speaking of Short and Dolman’s relationship, love, respect, support, and devotion to each other’s happiness are mentioned as both aspirational and joyous. Their family, complete with three adopted children, appears to have been at the center of the friend group for events and holidays, providing a grounded normalcy to an impressive degree considering the star power involved. I absolutely love when Rita Wilson tells a story about asking Dolman how she could possibly whittle down an extensive list of potential Hollywood bigwigs Short gave her for the annual Christmas party. She replied, “Honey, if they don’t know my kids’ names, they aren’t invited.” How gloriously refreshing.
Marty, Life is Short is a breezy, feel-good time. Short’s life has by no means been all sunshine and rainbows, but his jubilant resolve and the camaraderie of those he surrounds himself with have clearly led to a life filled with love and laughter. It is not breaking any new ground in the documentary genre, but there’s no need to with a tale as delightful as Short’s.
Rating: High Side of Liked It
Marty, Life is Short is currently streaming on Netflix.
You can read more from Patrice Downing, and follow her on Serializd and Letterboxd