THE STORY – The definitive documentary on comedian Martin Short, exploring his career across film, television, theater, and comedy.
THE CAST – Martin Short, Tom Hanks, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Steve Martin, John Mulaney, Conan O’Brien, Catherine O’Hara, Paul Shaffer, Steven Spielberg & Rita Wilson
THE TEAM – Lawrence Kasdan (Director)
THE RUNNING TIME – 99 Minutes
Emmy-winning Canadian comedian Martin Short is arguably one of the most likable people in Hollywood. Known for his work on “SCTV,” “Saturday Night Live,” and more recently, “Only Murders in the Building,” Short has long been a reliable presence in any ensemble, especially when playing quirky, iconic characters like Ed Grimley or Franck in the “Father of the Bride” films. The writer, actor, and singer is beloved by many, possessing a unique sense of humor and an unmistakable zest for life. For those unfamiliar with the tragedies Short has endured throughout his 76 years, Lawrence Kasdan’s “Marty, Life is Short” details how the love of his life, Nancy, a talent in her own right, passed away from cancer in 2010. However, the documentary does not delve into the loss of both his parents and his brother by the time he was 21, and was also likely filmed before the death of his daughter, Katherine, earlier this year.
Kasdan is something of a legend himself, having received four Oscar nominations for works including “The Accidental Tourist” and “The Big Chill,” making his pairing with Short feel fitting. “Marty, Life is Short” is not necessarily cinematic in presentation, but Kasdan’s decades in Hollywood clearly afforded him access to interviews with and archival footage of numerous A-list stars. While the abundance of talking heads might hinder other documentaries, it feels expected for a subject as beloved and connected as Short. These interviews are interspersed with extensive footage from his work across theater, film, and television, serving as a reminder of just how absurdly funny he has remained for decades, often stealing scenes even when not the central star. The documentary also benefits from intimate home footage provided by Short himself, offering a glimpse into the personal life of someone generally regarded as quite private.
Kasdan appears particularly interested in interviewing Short’s fellow Canadians, many of whom appear alongside him throughout the film. It’s especially bittersweet to see the late Catherine O’Hara featured so prominently, with her presence only making her absence felt even more strongly. Short is not portrayed as flawless, but much of the film understandably sings his praises. His longtime friend and collaborator, Steve Martin, even jokes that any party should be canceled if “Marty” cannot attend. Friends and colleagues repeatedly refer to him as “weird,” though always as a compliment and a testament to his charm.
In his one-on-one conversations with Kasdan, Short remains candid without venturing too deeply into his private life. The eccentric characters he frequently portrays are a stark contrast to the grounded and personable man seen here. As Short explains in the film, even the most absurd characters and situations still require some grounding in reality. His career trajectory remains fascinating to revisit, even for those already familiar with it, particularly when he opens up about suffering an emotional breakdown early in his career. He freely admits there were times when he had no idea what direction he wanted to take professionally. Periods without work left him deeply anxious about his future in the entertainment industry. Fortunately, history shows things worked out quite well. That’s not to say there weren’t failures; however, as Short discusses, there was a string of box-office disappointments, including “Three Amigos.” Yet he never allowed those setbacks to define him. In fact, he explains that he would rather enjoy making something unsuccessful than succeed with work that brought him no joy. There’s little sense of regret surrounding either his professional or personal choices.
The story of how Short met his wife Nancy and the romance they built together is genuinely moving, making her eventual loss feel even more heartbreaking. After learning they could not have biological children, the couple adopted three children, and the home videos featured throughout the documentary paint a picture of a beautiful family life together. It’s refreshing to see the deceased spouse of a documentary subject portrayed so fully instead of existing merely as a tragic footnote. Still, it remains somewhat curious that the deaths of other family members receive little to no attention. The film only briefly touches on Short’s childhood and formative comedic influences. However, that omission may very well have been his own preference, especially since “Marty, Life is Short” maintains an overwhelmingly warm, optimistic, and celebratory tone throughout.
A significant amount of time is devoted to certain characters and career milestones, while others are rushed through or ignored altogether. Given the sheer size of Short’s résumé, it’s understandable why Kasdan could not cover everything. And while the documentary largely follows the familiar structure of a conventional celebrity profile, its affectionate portrayal of what many would consider an international treasure makes it difficult to resist. There’s also undeniable joy in watching Short’s personal footage from lavish Christmas parties and celebrity gatherings. Seeing younger versions of Tom Hanks and Short simply goofing around together carries a strangely nostalgic charm. Though the documentary remains fairly light overall, its brief reflections on grief land with genuine poignancy. As John Mulaney succinctly puts it in the film: “Marty is good at life.”
