Fans of comedy legend Eddie Murphy have reason to celebrate as Netflix releases a long-awaited documentary delving into the life and career of the notoriously private star. "Being Eddie" began streaming on November 12, offering a rare and personal glimpse into the man behind the iconic characters and record-breaking stand-up specials.
A Journey Through Stardom
For the first time, Murphy extensively reflects on his unprecedented nearly 50-year journey in entertainment. The 103-minute film chronicles his meteoric rise, from his breakout on "Saturday Night Live" to becoming a global stand-up sensation and a dominant box-office force for decades. It serves as a gratifying portrait of how a Black artist achieved the highest echelons of fame in Hollywood and lived to narrate his own story.
The documentary structure begins with Murphy's childhood and early comedic beginnings before transitioning into a highlight reel of his iconic filmography. A constellation of comedy royalty appears to share their stories, including Arsenio Hall, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, and Tracy Morgan.
The Raw and Honest Moments
While the star-studded interviews provide context, "Being Eddie" truly shines when Murphy is simply being himself. The film captures his raw, funny, and unfiltered personality, with moments like him declaring the show "Ridiculousness" as "the best show on TV" standing out for their authenticity.
In more poignant scenes, Murphy opens up about deeply personal topics. He addresses the passing of his brother, Charlie Murphy, sharing his philosophy on grief: "I just touch little memories. I don't be going and wallowing in it." He also rejects standard industry labels, defining himself simply as "an artist who can express hisself a bunch of different ways."
A particularly powerful revelation involves Murphy recalling the time he called out the Academy for failing to recognize Black actors during the 1988 Oscars ceremony. To his shock, he remembers, "The next day, it was like I didn't say anything … There was no coverage of me. There was no mention that I said that. It was like I wasn't at the Oscars."
Public Reception and Lasting Impact
While the documentary has been praised, some critics note that much of the information is already public knowledge, leaving viewers wanting more new insights. The film's runtime, while substantial, feels truncated for a career spanning half a century, leading to suggestions that a multi-part docuseries might have done his story greater justice.
Despite this, the consensus among viewers is overwhelmingly positive. Social media reactions highlight the film's impact, with fans calling it a "must-watch" and praising it for solidifying Murphy's status as a "real pioneer and trailblazer." Many expressed that the documentary was "amazing" and something they would revisit, proving that even after all these years, the public's fascination with Eddie Murphy endures.
In less than two hours, "Being Eddie" effectively demonstrates how Murphy became a star in a league of his own. The documentary may leave you wanting more, but that in itself is a testament to the enduring power and intrigue of one of entertainment's most legendary figures.
"Being Eddie" is now available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
