Cinema Society

ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME

Average
Rating

2

Monday, March 03, 2014, ArcLight La Jolla

MONDAY, MARCH 3

On Screen: 4:30pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

ArcLight La Jolla (Auditoriums 4 & 5)

Cinema Chat and Introduction begins 15 minutes prior to screenings

Discussion follows screenings

Audience Choice Award-Chicago International Film Festival

ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME

Now in her late 80s, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch remains as ferociously funny as ever. In this bold, hilarious and poignant portrait, the uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner is revealed both on and off stage. Candid reflections about her life are punctuated with words from friends (including James Gandolfini, Tina Fey, John Turturro, Hal Prince, George C. Wolfe, Nathan Lane and Cherry Jones) and archival footage that showcases some of the great moments from her career. Whether dominating the stage, tormenting Alec Baldwin on the set of 30 Rock, or sharing her struggles with aging, diabetes and alcoholism, Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me reaches beyond the icon’s brassy exterior and reveals an inspiring portrait of a complex woman and artist. An IFC Films Release, ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME opens commercially in San Diego on March 7th.

Running Time: 80 Minutes

Not Rated

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT TAKES PLACE ON A MONDAY.

Send a Comment

27-Mar-14: Mroe - Rating: 4

I was surprised how personal and raw this film was, especially for a “performer” who usually wants to show the glamorous and luxurious side of their lives. Elaine is definitely one the last of the broads/dames, yet she started off so innocent and naive maybe that is why the drinking became such a major part of her life. Aside from being sad from seeing her health (and other things) deteriorate it also saddens me to see that amazing era of entertainment also fading away (forever). I would recommend this film to those that might have actually seen Elaine on stage in her prime.

6-Mar-14: Winston - Rating: 1

Ferociously funny? Not at all, more an egocentric loudmouth. Complex? Quite the opposite, she’s as shallow as that hanger-on who waits on her hand and foot.

Apparently there’s something about Cinema Society reviewers. 100% of Rotten Tomatoes’ approved critics gave “Shoot Me” a positive review with an 8.2 average rating. This compares to, say, Fargo, which only had 94% positive but did manage to eke out an 8.4 average. I don’t get it.

6-Mar-14: jh - Rating: 4

What a smart and entertaining documentary.

4-Mar-14: pb - Rating: 1

Ditto.

4-Mar-14: Jerry - Rating: 1

Should not have been a full length feature.

I would have left early along with the couple next to me but my wife wanted to see if it got better.

Did not find her ego entertaining or enlightening. Alcohol, diabetes, memory, alcohol, diabetes and memory.

Sometimes you have to know when to stop and just be part of the audience.

4-Mar-14: Mary Ann - Rating: 1

Too long.

Too much me-me, alcohol and diabetes.

It was interesting to see that she still got around at her age. But, her singing skills had left her long ago.

A 15 minute interview would have been just fine.

4-Mar-14: Mickey Kopol - Rating: 2

Mildly interesting "behind the scenes" of an aging Broadway star.

3-Mar-14: Alice - Rating: 2

It is encouraging, nice to see someone so dedicated to their work they continue long after they need to. She did say that after the love of her life passed that she never found anyone else. So it seems that's all there is for her. Her life certainly seems lonely. I too was tired of " it's all about her". Crusty is fun for a bit, but we all hope for more. The most redeeming thing I heard was that she defended others rights to look less than stunning. Too long.

Looking forward to more from la Jolla playhouse.

3-Mar-14: Margaret Downing - Rating: 2

I am embarrassed to say that before tonight, I had never heard of Elaine Stritch. I saw my last Broadway show in 1999. This being said, I found tonight's documentary to be annoying. I would have much rather learned more about her career and less about her aging problems. Enough already about diabetes, forgetfulness... The best part of the evening for me was the Q&A with the LJ Playhouse Director -- what a pro!