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| I AM CHRIS FARLEY. Courtesy of Virgil Films |
I think Jay Mohr best summed up the experience of watching I AM CHRIS FARLEY with a quote early in the film where he says "I'm great, we get to talk about Chris today." Chris Farley is a rare figure in that his work has transcended his untimely death and when we look back its with reverence and appreciation. The tabloid aspects of his life are overshadowed by the hilarity he left behind.
The team behind A Brony Tale, I Am Evel Knievel, and the upcoming Johnny Cash - American Rebel have taken on the life of one of the most gifted comedic actors of his generation with I AM CHRIS FARLEY. The film tells Chris Farley's story, from his formative years in school to his rapid assent to stardom with SNL and films like TOMMY BOY and BLACK SHEEP.
The film is comprised of interviews from people involved with Chris on both a professional and personal level. Christina Applegate, Lorne Michaels, Jay Mohr, Mike Myers, Bob Odenkirk, Adam Sandler, David Spade, and Fred Wolf all make appearances but the interviews that had the most impact are from Farley's four siblings, including his brother Kevin, a comedian and actor, and his brother Tom Jr., who wrote the biography "The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts." It can be a bit jarring to see his brother Kevin tell a joke about getting black out drunk, because he looks so much like Chris. The otherwise silly bit has a degree of sadness and meaning that must be difficult for the audience to ignore. We see Chris Farley's doppelganger joking about drugs and booze... it feels uncomfortable and raw.
The Farley family's involvement gives the film more depth than your standard SNL clip retrospective. We are given an intimate look at the life of an immeasurably talented man who had an impact not only on the lives of those who knew him personally but the millions who watched his films and television work.
I AM CHRIS FARLEY is without question the best documentary I've seen on this legendary comedic powerhouse. If you have even a passing interest in his work you will this film touching, enlightening and of course funny. The film will open theatrically in New York and Los Angeles on July 31st, 2015 and will be available nationwide on VOD and across all digital platforms on August 11th.