Morgan Neville discusses his experience filming Steve Martin for Apple’s ‘STEVE! (martin)’
Morgan Neville possesses a unique ability to capture the intricacies of the artistic spirit. As an Oscar-winning documentarian, he was the perfect choice to delve into the life of Hollywood genius Steve Martin. The outcome, Apple’s STEVE! (martin) a Documentary in 2 Pieces, is a profound film divided into two stylistically distinct chapters. The first part follows Martin’s journey to “wild and crazy” comedy stardom, while the second part explores his shift from touring to movies, playwriting, art, and introspection. Neville, nominated for an Emmy in directing for a documentary/nonfiction program, discussed the challenge of portraying someone as multifaceted and revered as Martin in just over three hours.
“Best Fishes” [a gag poster where Martin had a fish sticking out of his blazer] was the perfect comedy for a boy. There was something so joyful and silly about it.
While it was silly, it was also clever. Not every joke resonated with me, but my father also admired Steve. I convinced him to take me to see Steve perform stand-up in Las Vegas when I was 12. It was one of his final stand-up shows at the Riviera in the summer of ’80. When the opportunity to make this documentary arose, I knew there was no topic more ideal for me than Steve.
How do you navigate the experience of working closely with a lifelong hero like Steve on a daily basis?
From the start of the film, the person I met was simply Steve, not the superstar “Steve Martin.” Steve was fully committed to the project and we began by having extensive conversations at his home, recording hours of dialogue. It was a process of building a relationship and understanding his perspective on his own story. However, the admiration I had for him as a fan occasionally resurfaced, leading to questions like, “Tell me about the first time you were on SNL.”
I just watched the Faye Dunaway documentary and was disappointed there were so few people coming out of the woodwork to pay her her due. I would imagine this was the opposite — that everyone wanted to say something about Steve in the film.
I could have interviewed any younger comedian, and they would have eagerly agreed to participate. Names like any member of SNL, Kimmel, Conan, Fallon, Mulaney, Judd Apatow, and Patton Oswalt, all expressed their admiration for Steve. However, I aimed to delve deeper into Steve’s story, rather than have others simply praise him in the documentary.
Spending so much time with subjects must feel like therapy at times.
Indeed, being a documentarian often involves engaging in a somewhat therapeutic relationship, where you inquire about the significant aspects of people’s lives and attempt to unravel them. Steve has undergone actual therapy himself. The film explores a period in the ’90s where he delves into therapy, reads self-help books, and embarks on a journey to redefine his relationship with his parents. He takes a break from acting to write plays as a form of art therapy to address his personal struggles.
What was his initial reaction to the final product?
Initially, he mentioned he wouldn’t watch it. However, upon sending him the link, he promptly viewed the documentary and relayed that he loved it. He even inquired if he could share it with his therapist, which I considered a significant compliment.
This article first appeared in a standalone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.