Eddie Murphy was one of the undisputed kings of early Hollywood. The eighties. After passing Saturday Night LiveWhich became his platform, He began his film career, which would take him from success to success thanks to films such as The game goes between the impostors (1983), Hollywood paranormal investigator (1984) or Prince of Zamunda (1988).
His comedic appeal was a real box office draw… until the problems started. they Data They began to be Homophobic, SexistHe was arrested on several occasions due to sexual scandals.
The actor moved away from acting and went so far as to say that he was “tired of making bad films,” although he starred in some films in recent years such as: I am Dolomitewhich earned him an award nomination Golden Globe.
Now it is shown for the first time in Netflix Documentary film I’m Eddiein which director Angus Wall delves into Murphy’s intimate relationship, sharing his thoughts on his career, his family, and the personal challenges he has faced over more than four decades in the entertainment industry.
The documentary begins with photographs castle By Murphy V Los Angelesa setting that serves as a backdrop to review his development from his beginnings in New Jersey to become one of the great stars of American comedy.
In statements I collected GuardianMurphy insists that despite flaunting his residency, it is Daily routine It’s not much different from anyone else: he goes to work, spends time with his family, and ends his day watching TV, specifically the show Shaming othersWhich he considers “the best TV show.”
The Netflix production not only draws on Murphy’s first-hand testimony, but also uses comedic characters like Dave Chappelle, Chris RockJerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, and… Pete DavidsonWhich analyzes the actor’s influence on popular culture.
Murphy’s family and personal life take center stage in the film I’m Eddie. The actor, who rarely gives interviews and is known for his caution, opened the doors of his home to show his daily life with his wife Paige Butcher and His ten childrenwho now seems to be devoting his life to him (or at least that’s what he says).
The documentary also covers the traumatic events of his childhood, e.g He killed his father As a child he was the figure of his later stepfather, Vernon Lynch Sr., whom he credits with being instrumental in his personal development.
Murphy shared details about his reserved nature and rejection of the excesses associated with fame. In the documentary, he recalls how during his youth, Avoid drug abuse and alcohol, despite being surrounded by figures like John Belushi, Robin Williams And Rick James. The actor explained: “I’ve never been that curious. I’ve never tried cocaine or touched cocaine. I don’t drink and I don’t smoke cigarettes. And I didn’t smoke weed until I was 30.” Jamie Foxxwho also appeared in the documentary, described Murphy as a “very introverted” person, who preferred to stay in the background at social events.
Murphy’s professional journey does not shy away from difficult moments. Commercial failure of A vampire is on the loose in Brooklyn And subsequent ridicule Saturday Night Livewhen David Spade He was referred to as a “shooting star,” which was a jab at the actor. “It was like your university was making fun of you, your career, and not how funny you were,” Murphy recalls in the documentary. This experience led him to step away from the program for years, until he decided in 2019 to return as a presenter, a gesture he described as necessary. Come to terms with your assets: “SNL It’s part of my story. “I needed to reconnect with this program because that’s where I came from.”
The documentary also showcases Murphy’s versatility as an actor, highlighting his skills Oscar nomination by Dream girls In 2007.
On a personal level, Murphy spoke frankly about his experience with… Obsessive-compulsive disorderHe recounts rituals from his childhood such as repeatedly checking the kitchen gas or buzzing strange noises. The actor explained that he learned about these behaviors after watching a television program on this topic, and that over time he was able to reduce them, although he realized that they continued to a lesser extent.
The documentary devotes relevant space to Murphy’s relationship with him References in comedy. When I was young, I was an idol Richard Pryor They aspire to follow in his footsteps, although the industry has come to face them as competitors, especially after Pryor expressed his annoyance at Murphy’s promotion.
Bill CosbyFor his part, he criticized the use billingsgate in Murphy’s monologues, prompting the actor to respond with imitation Raw (The Eddie Murphy Show). In this sense, in the end I’m EddieMurphy stars in a humorous scene with Ventriloquist dummies It depicts Pryor and Cosby, alluding to their influences and the complexity of their relationships.
However, this work seems to aim to Cleaning up Eddie Murphy’s character It serves as an ode to his work, which is often common in this kind of self-sponsored documentary in which there is little critical spirit.
Perhaps that is why some episodes were deleted controversial In his public life such as arrest In 1997 from A Passing prostitute Who was traveling in his car, or his brief, high-profile marriage to Tracey Edmonds, or the initial dispute over the paternity of the daughter he had with his wife. Spice Girl Mel b.
That’s how most of the media saw it I’m Eddie Like a Respectful image Which, although it provides privileged access to Murphy’s life and the testimonies of his colleagues, suffers from a certain lack of depth and omits controversial aspects of his autobiography.
Currently, his next project will be voicing the character of Donkey again in the fifth part of the film a partnerScheduled for 2027.
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