Supermensch The Legend of Shep Gordon

Courtesy of Radius-TWC, A&E Indie Films, and Nomoneyfun Films

Most of the buzz around this documentary comes from its director: Mike Myers. Out of the spotlight for many years (following several box office bombs) Myers has turned his energy to the world of directing, and in particular to a giant in the industry: Shep Gordon. A man who has managed everyone from Alice Cooper to Emerill Lagasse, this famous manager has a buttload of stories, and is finally given a way to tell them.

Shep Gordon is interesting for more than the many people he has managed throughout the years. Shep himself is a corny, overly friendly, big as life character, who both entertains with his stories, (permeated by guffaws) and his persona. He seems like a lovable, heartfelt individual, who mostly manages his people with huge amounts of publicity that surrounds gimmicks and stunts. In Alice Cooper’s case, Shep came up with more and more elaborate ways to get his now lifelong friend to the top, usually in perverted ways. In the beginning of the film it’s just as much a story about the rise of rock legend Alice Cooper as it is about Shep, but quickly Shep veers into unknown territory and becomes a legend.

The film doesn’t rely much on facts. There aren’t many, if any, dates, no reassurance that the audience is aware of when and who we are talking about. This film is entirely made up of interviews by people who know Shep, and narrated by Shep throughout. While I don’t think there needed to be cut and dry narration, a linear story would have helped; me personally. Also, there weren’t any punches taken. The subject of this documentary is presented as a care-free, ecstatic, bearish individual with nothing but goodness in his big old heart. It’s endearing to see Myers make a film that centers on a man he admires, but at times it drags, as there’s very little drama. Overall this is a fairly entertaining film that has an interesting subject, even without much added edge.