Even though Celine Dion claims that her health issues are still only a minor part of her incredible journey, she declared that her “passion as a performer will never disappear.”
Ahead of the heartbreaking and uplifting documentary I Am: Celine Dion’s premiere, the singer declared to AFP that she was still alive.
The film centres on her meteoric rise to fame as well as her more recent struggles with a rare neurological condition that has severely limited her acting abilities.
“There are two things you can do when life throws something at you. Dion stated, “You either deal with it or you don’t want to deal with it.
She referred to her choice to discuss her illness in the documentary as “the greatest gift and the greatest responsibility,” adding that she hoped it would encourage others facing comparable challenges.
Prior to the debut, the actress, who was born in Quebec, told reporters in her own tongue that “it’s hard to be here.” However, I’m also really moved.
She thanked her family, medical staff, and fans, saying, “I feel like I still have a lot of support and a lot of love, and I hope this documentary will help, because it helped me a lot.”
“One day at a time, even if this fight lasts forever.”
“The show will continue.”
The 56-year-old originally revealed her diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome, an autoimmune disease that progresses and has no known cure, in December 2022.
She was had to postpone her remaining performances indefinitely.
The illness that can cause tight muscles in the arms, legs, and torso can be treated to lessen its symptoms.
Severe spasms and uncontrollable cracking voice can also be brought on by overstimulation.
She assured that “the show will still go on,” but said that it was critical to be open about the severity of her emotional and physical health issues.
Dion’s only request, according to the film’s Academy Award-nominated director Irene Taylor, was to be allowed to narrate her own narrative in her own words.
Is that even possible? rather than hearing others talk about me?She remembered the famous person asking.
As a storyteller, that was akin to music to Taylor’s ears.
The filmmaker went on, “She just opened up and was very authentic.” “In her happiness as well as her pain.”
A personal movie documents Dion’s struggles and victories.
Intimate moments with her dogs and kids at home provide a sweet, homely portrait of Celine as a mother, while archive material of the captivating performer that the world has come to know and love is also included.
However, the movie also depicts the depth of Dion’s suffering, with one long scene capturing in graphic detail the singer having a seizure that leaves her speechless and paralysed.
There were those in the audience who were sobbing aloud during the heartbreaking episode.
But Dion’s love for her family, friends, and music—rather than her illness—is the documentary’s main theme.
Though she is obviously suffering from the loss of the voice she once had, the movie shows her joy in life and her unwavering sense of humour.
A documentary is a “love letter”—a sincere ode to its audience.
On June 25, Prime Video will offer the documentary about Dion, who has sold over 250 million albums in her lengthy career, for global streaming.
Dion surprised everyone by showing up unexpectedly at the Grammy Awards earlier this year and giving Taylor Swift the Album of the Year trophy.
But after revealing she had SPS, she hasn’t made many public appearances.
Before the showing, Dion made a comparison between herself and an apple tree in an address to a crowded and passionate Manhattan hall.
In the movie, she also uses a metaphor to explain how she has always felt obligated to provide fans who are prepared to pay hefty fees and stand in lengthy lines for her shows with some sort of shiny fruit.
When Dion informed her about a recent fan’s remark that “we’re not here for the apples—we’re here for the tree,” she broke down in tears.
Standing ovations followed her statement, “This movie is my love letter to each of you.”
“And I look forward to seeing you all very soon.”
