I’m a huge fan of nostalgia. I love it, I overvalue it, but at least I’ll admit it. And as a Child of the ’80s who grew up without basic cable, I gleaned my sense of humor through Saturday Night Live. Naturally, Chevy Chase ranked high as one of my favorite comedians, as his presence within numerous feature films of the decade — even if they were box-office bombs — instantly became my must-see selections at the movie theater.
Many years later, I’m no longer a devoted SNL fan, but I still enjoy rewatching those same films that gave me so much joy back in the day. So, when I recently noticed a new documentary was focusing on a difficult celebrity of my childhood, it was time to watch I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not.
As a comedian, Chevy Chase’s rise to fame was meteoric. Originally joining the National Lampoon Lemmings comedy and music troupe, to being a member of the original Saturday Night Live crew and eventually graduating to blockbuster feature films, his brand of physical comedy was everywhere. However, with that fame and fortune came some character flaws. Note: Just about every rumor you’ve ever heard about him is probably true.
Notoriously known as being difficult to work with throughout the industry, Chase has been accused of having an abrasive personality. Viewed by some as having the charisma of an asshole who you love, he disputes that fact, stating his guard is always up and he’s not going to let anyone figure him out. But later, he’ll matter-of-factly mention that he doesn’t care if others like him, which is an oxymoron, as he considers himself complex, deep and easily hurt. That is why he’s always been spontaneous with his reactions, nice or not.
Director Marina Zenovich might have bit off more than she can chew with this one…
“This is the way I am at my age… just an angry child.”
Friends, family members and fellow actors speak about their past interactions with Chase, with some excusing his past behavior and others, not so much. Incredibly nostalgic, the career of Chevy Chase is briefly explored, although more time is wasted asking him pointed questions that are never fully answered. Is he desperate for a return to fame or is he really just getting old?
Chase’s addiction to drugs is one constant during it all: first cocaine and later alcohol, which strongly contributed to his erratic behavior, eventually leading to a heart disorder and being medically induced into a coma. Claiming he doesn’t remember many of the negative things that he previously did or said to others, he never truly answers for his past behavior. How many people can make these claims before you start to question if he’s not exactly being honest with himself?
His memory loss could actually be attributed to the heart condition, but when his long-time agent says Chevy wasn’t very serious about his career, it seems more than likely that Chase is insecure and his own worst enemy, at times. This eventuality dawns onto me as I’m saddened by his current state. Late in the film he finally makes a blanket apology for being who he is, and whether by humor or humility, it feels authentic. There is a small sadness in his eyes, but he simply isn’t self-aware of his past life.
I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not walks the tightrope between being a hit job and a public relations puff piece. On one hand, it’s easy to feel sympathetic for Chevy as he was genuinely insulted by being left out of the SNL 50th Anniversary Special (Lorne Michaels defends anonymous sources for his decision), but it also feels like he’s finally receiving payback for some very bad behavior.
Sometimes confused and unaware that the camera is rolling, Chevy’s antics — both laugh and eye-roll inducing — prove this is clearly a cautionary tale of self-destruction.
My opinion of him really hasn’t changed after watching this documentary. Maybe that means it wasn’t very effective. Or maybe it means I can still enjoy re-watching Caddyshack, Spies Like Us and Three Amigos! without worrying if a modern-day sequel starring some very old actors to some of my favorite films would ruin my childhood. I would like to catch him on one of his many Q&A Christmas Vacation tours, though.
He might have been obnoxious, but no one could drop a one-liner like him. And with a name like Cornelius Crane Chase…
“By my standard, I’m still a movie star.”