A new documentary on Eddie Murphy has arrived, providing an inside look at the legendary comedian’s life. While the film boasts impressive access to Murphy and his archives, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a truly substantial portrait.
The documentary opens with lavish shots of Murphy’s sprawling estate, immediately showcasing the rewards of his four-decade career. Yet the star himself is quick to downplay the glamour, insisting his daily routine mirrors that of ordinary people—work, family time, and watching television. He reveals an unexpected favorite program, which he compares to avant-garde cinema, rather than revisiting his own classic performances.
The film reinforces Murphy’s comedic legacy through testimonials from other comedy giants, though these endorsements sometimes feel disconnected from current cultural conversations. More revealing moments emerge when Murphy discusses his challenging childhood, his rapid ascent to fame, and the media’s attempts to position him against another comedy legend.
Psychological insights surface as Murphy discusses his complex relationship with grief and loss, including his avoidance of funerals and his self-diagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder, which he credits for his sharp observational skills. The documentary incorporates archival material from his late brother’s famous comedy stories, though Murphy dismisses these legendary tales as just ordinary experiences from his life.
Notably absent are several significant chapters from Murphy’s public history, including legal controversies, brief marriages, and family disputes. The documentary also addresses his long-standing rift with the show that launched his career, presenting it as a low point while glossing over the successful projects that followed this period.
The film’s conclusion features a symbolic moment with comedy puppets, hinting at a potential return to stand-up that feels more like teasing than a genuine promise. After nearly two hours of footage, viewers are left wondering why the documentary hesitates to push for more substantial revelations about one of comedy’s most enduring figures.
