cinephileinprogress

[cinephileinprogress]

Love, Gilda: Triumphant Reflection of a Heroine

(originally written in January, published to letterboxd)

“I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.” ― Gilda Radner

Based on the trailer, there is the assumption that the film is going to primarily consist of an amalgamation of SNL alumni and people in Gilda’s life reading entries from her diaries or sharing their stories about her, and maybe the occasional home video or audiotape. This is not the case with Love, Gilda. The film lends its focus to no one but her, in the most splendid and complex portrait of a beloved, trailblazing woman. Rarely do I see a documentary about an artist that manages to idolize and humanize its subject in such a balanced manner. I think that’s a testament to Lisa D’Apolito’s genuine admiration for Gilda, so much so that her story is told with both tenderness and candor. There is no fear to go into dark places in this film, but it never loses its light. And that light is Gilda.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Gilda Radner or you’ve never even heard of her, there is a love and a vulnerability that radiates off of this film that is impossible to be immune to. I hope this film reaches a vast audience, so that her poetry, both in writing and on stage, can be cherished by all.

gildasclubnyc.org/

Love, Gilda is currently streaming on Hulu