AFI Fest: “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me” shows the star up close
Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 4:00PM by Eurocheese
This year’s AFI Fest opened with a spotlight on pop star Selena Gomez under the direction of Alek Keshishian, who famously brought us Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991). The film kicks off promoting Gomez’s music and telling the audience her backstory, walking us through a career she began at 7 years old on the show Barney & Friends. She has been consistently working since that time, turning 30 this past summer. We learn about the physical toll lupus took on her, an emotionally exhausting period which led her to a breakdown stemming from her bipolar disease. Her decision to go public with her diagnosis ties into her statement later in the film that she is driven by her focus on what to do next when facing hurdles...
Since this documentary focuses on honesty, I should start with a disclaimer – I watched this at home through Apple+ because I missed the premiere. One of the themes that stands out, as in many films reflecting performers’ lives, is the constant buzz of an overwhelming work schedule. Assistants do their best to build up her energy so she can move to the next project. Gomez states at one point that she needs a break, and as her assistants attempt to respond, she counters that she has work to do. This appears to be a pattern. When addressing her escapism, her team hints that she needs to consider what next steps would be best for her wellbeing. She takes breaks when she is forced to.
At one point she senses that an assistant feels she is ungrateful, and she calls it out immediately. She is self-critical, searching for ways to make a positive impact. One of her physical tells when she feels overwhelmed is partially hiding her face from the camera, retreating momentarily. Though her work ethic isn't an uncommon story for famous performers, seeing it up close in someone so young is uncomfortable.
She is asked during set up for an interview if she knows what she’s doing, and she cheekily responds, “Nope! I work better that way.” Watching a portrait like this, the audience just hopes she finds the balance that brings her peace. She states at the end of the film that she has found it and we hope that it's true. B-
AFI Fest, Alek Keshishian, Apple TV+, Reviews, Selena Gomez, child stars, documentaries, streaming
Reader Comments (2)
I saw a clip of her crying over the fact that a reporter asked her questions that she answered but the reporter didn't even listen to her as if she thinks that Selena is just saying a bunch of dumb shit. I was like "the fuck?" I felt bad for her as I don't blame her for getting pissed off as I think she wants to be taken seriously as a singer/artist but is often attached to Disney or Justin Bieber which fucking sucks.
Yeah, the film has a couple of scenes where it shows how dismissive people can be of her. This took place a few years back in her career, so I wonder if the success of Only Murders in the Building has helped her gain more respect. She's great on that show.