Nerds That Geek Documentary Review: ‘Gary’

8/29/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

GARY -- Pictured: "Gary" Key Art -- (Photo by: Peacock)

The vast majority of us, have some unique perspectives regarding celebrities and the lives they lead. For we truly believe that they enjoy storied and magnificent lives, where their every whim is catered to and where they have freedom and comfort to be creative and to be at peace. Not to mention, we often believe that gives to a semi-aloof life. One with idle time and that is what brings about trouble for them. As though they lose touch with reality and that motivates them to take part in actions we soon read about in tabloids or on celebrity gossip websites. But what makes those perspectives so unique, is how incredibly wrong they are when all is said and done.

Because they help us to forget that celebrities are people, talented ones yes, but they are still people who struggle with ups and downs and face some very real problems. And their days aren’t always sunshine and rainbows for various reasons and their ‘fall from grace’ moments relate to something far deeper than just being ‘out of touch’. Which are truths that we tend to learn later in life when the celebrity or those they left behind reflect, and they are truths we should learn sooner. To offer those folks grace and understanding, and one fine way to do that… is to watch and recommend stories that do just that, such as the new documentary that dropped on Peacock today, Gary.

For this is a story that explores the life and times of the one, the only, Gary Coleman. Whom we all know and all love from the acclaimed series, Diff’rent Strokes, and who of course, passed on after facing some tough days. All of which made it seem as though he was the definition of that out of touch mantra since he grew up a star and fell upon hard times. But this documentary… truly presents Gary Coleman as a person. By having family, friends, confidants, and former business partners, speak to his life, his growth, and what success was like for Gary and how incredibly talented and gifted he was as a performer.

GARY -- Pictured: Todd Bridges -- (Photo by: Peacock/Raw TV Ltd)

But where this documentary truly shines… is in its raw examination of what came after the spotlight. Of how, the trappings of celebrity put him through hard times. Not because he was out of touch or delusional, but because… others took advantage of him and his standing, and ostracized him and left him feeling as though he did not matter. Which led to many a conflict, and a marriage that leaves fans with questions to this day. But hearing about how family crossed lines, about the void that left in his heart, makes for some powerful moments. The kind that shows us how the unfortunate views we harbor regarding celebrity can sully relationships and create unrealistic expectations for those in the limelight.

Which does make this film a bit of a tragedy. Since clearly, Gary never escaped those expectations or those trappings. Nor did he ever find peace with the business that gave him so much and took so much. But that… is the kind of honesty his story deserves and that is the kind of honesty we the audience need. To really understand what life is like for those in the limelight and how hard it is for celebrities to balance the public eye and the troubles that everyone deals with. But at the same time, this is also a beautiful story, about a beautiful soul that figured out how to bring joy into people’s lives and despite his concerns, will be remembered as more than a catch phrase.

Thanks in large part to this documentary, which truly does cover so much and truly does explore the life and times of a man that was a kind soul and had so much love to offer and well… all of these elements bring forth a compelling and moving story. One that demystifies celebrity and its clichés and its stereotypes and truly presents us with a story of a life, one that saw ups and downs and success and failure and one that was able to teach us so much. About what it means to be present in the moment and how we often make more of an impact upon other people’s lives and the world… than we give ourselves credit.

Watch ‘Gary’

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