Perhaps the key factor in determining whether a documentary is worthwhile is how much new information is provided about its subject.  This, of course, depends completely upon how conversant one is with a documentary’s subject.  Well, I am certainly familiar with comedian and actor John Belushi from his “Saturday Night Live” days and his subsequent film roles, but I must confess that I knew nothing about his early years, despite our growing up in the Chicago area not so many years apart.  Suffice it to say that there is significant personal and professional data imparted by this unique documentary, and I am impressed.

R. J. Cutler’s documentary about the life and times of John Belushi uses a slew of audio recordings with people recorded shortly after Belushi’s 1982 death, and enhances the experience with striking animation by Robert Valley.  Bill Hader even provides a voice for Belushi in his own words.  His words, in fact, are prevalent in this narrative, as many of his letters to girlfriend and later wife Judy are utilized extensively to demonstrate what he was feeling and thinking.  Belushi is certainly present in this profile, but usually in a static manner; hundreds of photographs form the greatest picture of his growing fame (and disillusionment).

John Belushi’s story alternates from success story to tragedy, with all sorts of adventures and famous people and fun and addiction along the way.  I knew nothing about his time as a Lemming, or his National Lampoon radio career, or his Albanian heritage, so it was a fascinating trip for me.  It was helped by the familiarity of many of the voices talking about their friend — people like Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Carrie Fisher and Ivan Reitman — and it seems that much of the video footage is rare and very personal in nature.  We really do get to see and hear John behind the scenes, the real guy who exuded confidence in public but rarely seemed comfortable with his increasing fame.

Ultimately, of course, the story turns tragic, as John turns to cocaine and heroin to fill the void he felt.  I’ll never understand why people self-destruct like this, especially when they have so many advantages in life.  This movie cannot explain it either, except to convey that even John felt he would never be able to beat his addiction.  Some of this film is celebratory of his talent, especially as he first reaches his peak in SNL’s second season, but after that it’s a cautionary tale, and a sad one at that.  John Belushi was 33 when he died, and that is just too damn premature.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  9 November 2021.