The late funnyman and actor John Candy was a beloved figure in Hollywood comedies, bringing joy and laughter to audiences before his untimely death in 1994. In a heartfelt tribute, actor-director Colin Hanks sheds light on Candy’s comedic brilliance and the personal struggles that often remained hidden. Hanks’ feature documentary, titled John Candy: I Like Me, premiered globally on Prime Video, revealing the complex layers of Candy’s life, including his battles with childhood trauma, anxiety, and self-esteem issues.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hanks reflects on the duality of Candy’s persona. “The truth of the matter is, the very man that we’re celebrating, who was so sweet, sincere, caring, and genuine, developed those traits as coping mechanisms,” he explains. Hanks was drawn to direct John Candy: I Like Me after realizing that Candy's public persona often masked his internal struggles.
Hanks candidly shares that his initial hesitation to take on the project transformed after a conversation with Ryan Reynolds, a fervent admirer of Candy. Reynolds expressed his disbelief that a documentary about Candy did not exist, prompting Hanks to reconsider. After conducting thorough research, Hanks discovered pivotal moments in Candy’s life, such as the loss of his father on his fifth birthday and his subsequent struggles with anxiety, which would shape the documentary’s narrative.
During the 1970s and 80s, discussions surrounding mental health were often overlooked. Hanks notes, “Candy’s backstory, including his father’s early death and his mental health challenges, was hardly talked about.” The documentary aims to bridge this gap, showcasing how societal views have evolved. Hanks emphasizes, “In that time, therapy was hardly discussed... You were lucky if you were able to talk about your problems.”
Throughout the film, viewers will witness how Candy faced insensitive comments about his weight during interviews, a reflection of the societal norms of the time. Hanks expresses his surprise at Candy's discomfort during these encounters. “He knows that question is coming... and I was really taken aback by how uncomfortable he was,” Hanks reveals.
Reynolds’ passion for Candy played a crucial role in bringing the documentary to life. Hanks acknowledges, “I don’t think the film exists without Ryan willing it to exist.” His influence extended beyond just motivating Hanks; Reynolds also leveraged his connections to secure interviews with notable figures who shared fond memories of Candy.
Hanks recounts how Reynolds helped reach out to celebrities like Bill Murray and Dana Aykroyd, who were instrumental in capturing the essence of Candy's legacy on camera. “Ryan had the know-how and the clout to be able to hound Bill Murray for God knows how long,” Hanks shares, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the film.
As a director, Hanks reflects on the invaluable lessons he learned throughout the documentary-making process. He emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable atmosphere for interviewees, which facilitates genuine conversations. “I wanted it to feel like a conversation... something that was actually fun or cathartic,” he explains.
Hanks also acknowledges the unique challenge of interviewing comedians and actors who are accustomed to scripted performances. “I was connecting with them as human beings,” he shares, underscoring the emotional depth captured during the interviews.
Looking ahead, Hanks expresses excitement about potential future projects, both in documentary filmmaking and scripted narratives. He is eager to explore various themes while remaining open to what opportunities arise. Hanks is also set to showcase his acting chops in Nobody 2, where he plays a corrupt sheriff alongside Bob Odenkirk.
Reflecting on Candy’s untimely demise, Hanks believes fans should feel a sense of loss over what could have been. “Yes, because I feel he definitely would have gone in that direction,” he states, referring to Candy's potential transition into more dramatic roles. Hanks recalls Candy's involvement in projects like JFK and his screen tests for Goodfellas, suggesting that he was ready to explore complex characters beyond comedy.
In conclusion, John Candy: I Like Me serves not only as a tribute to a comedic icon but also as a poignant exploration of the man behind the laughter. Through Hanks' lens, audiences are invited to celebrate Candy's legacy while acknowledging the challenges he faced, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of mental health and the human experience.
