BELUSHI

US, 2020, 108 minutes, Colour.

Directed by R.J.Cutler.

John Belushi, actor, comedian, singer, died at the age of 33. He made quite an impression during his short life.

This documentary was highly praised as a portrait of the actor. The director was able to get the permission of Belushi’s wife, Judy, initially reluctant, a great deal of documentation, as well as having access to video material, film material, television programs and interviews. The film uses the device of the audience seeing the literal writing of the letters to Judy.

The film moves backwards and within Belushi’s life and career, highlighting his family background, migrants from Albania, his early talent in performance, comments made by members of his family including his actor brother, Jim Belushi.

In the United States, Belushi became very well-known by his participation in the initial years of Saturday Night Live – with scenes of his work with Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, and, especially Dan Aykroyd. And, at the same time, the various opportunities he took for improvisation and comedy, and singing with a band. This is very much the case during the 1970s and into the 1980s.

Will Belushi appeared in small roles in a number of films, he made an impact in an Animal House. His stage show with Dan Aykroyd, The Blues Brothers led into his most famous film – with some excerpts including with Aretha Franklin, Carrie Fisher with some comments. Interestingly, British director, Michael Apted comments on his performance in a very different role in Continental Divide. His final film, Neighbours, was not a success.

And, interspersed throughout the documentary are comments about his personality, his way of life, his exuberance, his relationship with Judy, with the rest of his family, the pressure of being in the limelight, his moods, leading into alcohol and especially drug addiction.

And, the film shows how he lived in the final years of his life, sometimes alone, with others, depression, drugs, leading to the overdose.

For audiences interested in American comedy in the second half of the 1970s, on television, in film, on stage, this is a strong memoir.

In 1989, actor Michael Chiklis appeared as John Belushi in the film Wired.