Sometimes you go into a biographical documentary knowing very little about the subject and leave feeling like you're best friends with the guy. This is most certainly true of Mike Myers delightful documentary SUPERMENSCH about the legendary manager Shep Gordon.
Yep, THAT Mike Myers directorial debut is a labor of true love that chronicles the incredible lifelong escapades of one of the most well-known and well-liked managers in show business.
Myers starts weaving his story at the beginning when dumb luck found Gordon in the late 60's shacking up at a hotel in LA that turned out to be a haven for just about every hot musician of the era. Soon enough Gordon was fast friends with everyone from Janis Joplin to Jim Morrison. During one particularly smoky gathering in his room, Gordon was asked by a curious Jimi Hendrix if he was Jewish. When Gordon answered, "Yes," Jimi replied that logically he should be a manager. And this anecdote is just the tip of the iceberg.
Through stock footage, archival photos, and full-on hilarious reenactments Myers deliriously illustrates the life path of a mad genius. From his early days with Alice Cooper to his epic partying with Hollywood elite such as Sly, Arnold, and the like, it is revealed that while Gordon may have lead a decadent lifestyle throughout his youth, he is surprisingly a sensitive, loyal, and truly devoted friend to many, many people. Basically, he is my new hero.
These days, Gordon can be found relaxing at his beachside home in Maui. Years ago after witnessing the demise of many of his old school buddies due to the life of excess, Gordon made the decision to leave the business behind and pursue a life of more leisure and happiness. In true Shep Gordon style, however, in lieu of taking a beginning cooking class, he approached one of the most renowned and decorated chefs in the world and asked to be his "grasshopper." Flash forward and Gordon is a champion of chefs around the world creating the first celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse.
Stories like these along with Myers creative depiction of them makes SUPERMENSCH an absolute viewing pleasure. I am a notorious stickler for reasonable running times for docs, and honestly I could have watched Gordon regaling his tales all night long.
Thanks so much,
Rebecca Elliott
Aka "Annette Kellerman"
