SLIFF 2010 Review: AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE

Spaulding Gray was one of, if not THE most important modern master of the monologue. Not readily known by the general public, Spaulding Gray rarely had roles in what most would call a mainstream film, but his legacy remains in his uncanny ability to turn his own life and experiences into compellingly honest one-man performances.

Director Steven Soderbergh has honored this great American artist in his new documentary AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE. The retrospective film collects it’s material primarily from Gray’s interviews and performances, many of which have rarely been seen. The intimacy of this film is partially what makes it so effective. Soderbergh has cut together the archival footage in a way that highlights all of what made Gray so fascinating — for better or worse — told by the man himself.

As is evident in his performances and this film, Gray’s life was not a fairy tale, nor was it anything remotely close to average. This less attractive part of his life often compromised the heart and essence of Gray’s monologues. His willingness to open up completely to his audience was key, especially when at times the audience can clearly tell he’s not entirely comfortable with what he’s sharing, but he held nothing back and that truth in storytelling was worth far more than it’s weight in gold.

In 2004, Spaulding Gray’s life came to a tragic end when he committed suicide. AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE serves as a wonderful eulogy to the man and immortalizes his words on film for generations to come.

Soderbergh first focused his camera on Spaulding Gray in 1996 with GRAY’S ANATOMY, a performance derived from Gray’s discovery of an eye condition and his journey derived from that experience. Prior to this, director Jonathan Demme directed 1987’s SWIMMING TO CAMBODIA, whereas Gray reflected on his experience working on the film THE KILLING FIELDS.

For anyone already familiar with Spaulding Gray’s work, this is the perfect send off to an incredibly talented man. For those who’ve never heard of him, this film serves as an intimate introduction to his work and his inspiration. One thing is for sure, AND EVERYTHING IS FINE is quite possibly the most enlightening 89 minutes you will ever spend watching one man sit and/or stand and talk about himself.

AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE will play during the 19th Annual Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival on November 13th at 8:30 pm at the Hi-Pointe Theatre.