A revealing portrait of a man whose cutting, risky humor arrived at a time when it was not only tolerated but celebrated. That kind of humor thrived in the ’70s and ’80s, then rapidly fell out of favor. When asked to play broader comedy, it didn’t work. His treatment of others, and his substance abuse, only accelerated the decline. Chevy Chase’s story is ultimately a tragic one.
Strong collection of archival photos and valuable backstory. Chase clearly had a difficult childhood and used humor as a survival mechanism. Whenever someone tries to engage with him sincerely, and we see it here in real time, he deflects with jokes, distractions, or a trademark cutting remark to undermine the moment. It’s a trauma response and coping strategy, something articulated thoughtfully by his grounded and supportive family. Jaynie, in particular, seems remarkable.
Chase does indeed have a rarely seen softer side, and a few people here have experienced and share that version of him. But far more have encountered the walls he built, the arrogance, insensitivity, cruelty, and the preemptive attacks disguised as “humor.”
Good testimonials. Most seem sincere but diplomatic, with some of their punches pulled. The absence of Steve Martin and Bill Murray, two close contemporaries, is conspicuous, and some commentary on his relationship with another contemporary, the beloved John Candy, would have been a nice touch. I also would have liked to hear more from Kevin Smith about his disastrous Fletch pitch to Chevy and see some footage from the brutal 2002 New York Friars Club roast, where many peers declined to attend and those who did truly destroyed him. All of this would have painted an even starker picture.
I was a huge fan of Chase in the early-to-mid ’80s. I never fully understood the downfall, but I think I do now.
The Paul Simon video at the end is a nice closing touch, though it really deserved to play through over slower end credits.
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