This examination on the late child actor Gary Coleman (1968-2010) offers a full view on the many controversies surrounding his life and career,
and just a few glimpses about his work and talent. To the most devoted fans who expect to see a lot from his moments of glory, humor and the perks of
fame, you won't be seeing much of those in "Gary". Peacock followed family and friends, colleagues, lawyers and agents, and no one outside of his inner
circle to present the viewer's perspective in seeing a talented and charismatic child dominating the screen in the incredible "Diff'rent Strokes" and
other smaller projects. But to the ones who follow rise and fall and controversies of an actor, this one offers a full view that doesn't disappoint
and it generates curiosity in those who don't know much about Gary.
What dominates this special are the countless dramatic moments that followed Coleman, either dealing with parents and agents
who micromanaged his career and finances to a critical point, where the actor was being literally robbed by nearly everyone around him. It's sad to
say it, but it's the usual textbook that followed many child actors/artists through decades (rare these days, but still happens). But seeing the scope
of things, what happened to an already frail kid with many health issues, and that "fate" of dealing with untrsuty people followed him even when he got married later on, it's tragic.
The presence of his parents, the wife and the agent who profitted of him can revolt the most sensitive viewer - I was in total disbelief seeing
their "serious" act on screen. Gotta have a lot of nerve.
But it also follows his true loyal friends who helped him out whenever needed (Dion Mial,
who later became his manager after a falling out with a previous agent, shares many amazing stories of genuine friendship. Lucky folks might have
a buddy like him). Co-star Todd Bridges and a few others who worked on "Diff'rent Strokes" offer the good stories from behind the scenes of the show,
and some serious ones concerning Coleman's dad bossing around on the set.
I can't offer a view of Gary Coleman as a fan since I know very little about him, in fact I only know him because of that show (called "Arnold" in
here) which had a re-run a lot later but very popular to audiences. I didn't know about the whole issue concerning his death and the foul play suspicious on the
ex-wife, and that really took me by surprise. But if comparing with other documentaries made about important personalities, I can understand the criticism
and rejection some viewers will have with this project since it's too downer and focused on gossips or "he said/she said", and very little about his work
and attempts to rebuild his career outside of the Arnold Jackson character. We have plenty of great clips of his TV and cinema work, but without the input
from critics or artists who were inspired by Coleman, there's something missing to understand one of the greatest TV icons of the 1970's-1980's.
Yet I was thrilled with it. It was a quite emotional journey with many surprising facts, dramatic moments and some humored as well - I couldn't resist
laughing at his loan/credit commercial where he was poking fun of his downer financial problems. And viewers can take a closer look at Coleman that goes
beyond Arnold: the funny kid; the brave kid who loved his work and continued with it despite being sick; the young man who struggled a lot, almost gave up
of everything when things weren't going his way, made some mistakes but kept going facing the obstacles. It's mostly a downer, but there are inspiring moments that can make
you look at things in a positive way, and just be critical of this fame thing and how it ruins bright talents who aren't sheltered with a great support
network. As Mial says, this was a cautionary tale. 9/10.
