Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds is a must see documentary turned memorial for anyone who loved these women. Fisher and Reynolds died before it aired. I may need to watch it again because it is easy just to get swept away by the images and just think about them in an infinite loop as the film cascades over you like a blanket.
Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds is equal parts a summary of their life and career shortly before they died and historically. Both women had their own distinctive style and personality, but they also bear a striking resemblance physically, vocally and functionally. Reynolds was old school-she was gentler, but appears indomitable despite age and affliction. The show must go on. Fisher was brash, frank and vulnerable. She openly cried and worried.
Both women were masters at interacting with their fans. They were able to receive and give love. Even though they were beyond any average idea of what is considered normal, they were as normal as they could be because show business is still a job, and it was a job that they executed beautifully and with love.
Both women were also fans of each other. Reynolds is still amazed at her daughter’s voice. Fisher is amazed at her mom’s work ethic. Even brother and son respectively Todd is part of the act when it comes to preserving the family legacy, warts at all. They are unquestionably a close-knit family albeit a highly unconventional one.
Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds reminded me that I miss Fisher’s voice and honesty. When a fan said that she wanted to be like her, she wasn’t referring to Princess Leia. She was referring to our generation’s version of the great dame of Hollywood, who had a wonderful role model and mother. I will always remember Reynolds as Grace’s mother in Will and Grace. May Fisher and Reynolds rest in peace.