I Am Celine Dion is Cinematic Chronicle of a Spirit That Never Gives Up

The first time I ever saw or heard Celine Dion was on The Arsenio Hall Show.  Her english was a little broken, but when she sang it was magical.  Her voice had the ability to sear right through your soul to the deepest, most intimate of emotions making listeners feel as though she understood what you were going through simply by the intricate method she would interpret a lyric.  There were only two other vocalists at the time who could accomplish that – Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

Directed by Taylor Brodsky, I Am Celine Dion serves as the ultimate fan love letter highlighting the music catalogue that has guided her life, while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit as she struggles with this life-altering illness.  Having experienced  an insurmountable amount of loss with the deaths of her parents, husband and dog, her bravery to share such vulnerable issues is inspiring and admirable.

Diagnosed with SPS (Stiff Person Syndrome), symptoms began to appear 17 years earlier, but in july 2022,  the diagnosis was confirmed. This disease would attack her neuro muscular system resulting in muscle spasms ultimately affecting her balance causing unexplained muscle spasms and making it impossible to utilize her vocal chords to sing.  Imagine being challenged in a manner that no longer allows you to continue what people love about you and what you love about yourself – singing.

With this documentary, audiences will  experience the joys and rise of her career, marriage and get a sneak peek into a warehouse of her most personal and profession treasured possessions, while learning of her infinite love of shoes bringing humor to an otherwise bittersweet story.

The most revealing  moment is watching her seize up and struggle during a medical visit.  As painful as this is to watch, it gives context to how she has been suffering leading to her decision to cease performing.  It is heartbreaking for sure, but,  if anyone can come out on the other side victorious, it is Celine Dion.

Dion is a survivor and was adamant about having her story told directly from her point of view and not notalking heads of people making assumptions and commenting on her life. She wanted total autonomy over the way her narrative would be told and perceived.

Tonight, she is expected to perform for the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics.  As a ridiculously, loyal  fan, I am rooting she is able to overcome giving us the performance of a lifetime. After all, Celine Dion is not one to be defeated.  Her spirit is too strong, determined and unwavering proving that this diva is more than the sum of her parts – she in invincible. In her own words, ” I didn’t invent myself…I didn’t create myself…I AM.”