Netflix’s Marty: Life Is Short Recap: Celebration Of A Joyous Life

Very few from the current generation know about the genius of Martin Short in the sphere of comedy, and even fewer know about him as a person. Whereas notable actors/ comedians like Jaleel White, Bill Hader, and Tom Hanks have often cited Short’s iconic, eccentric characters and high energy sketches as key inspirations behind their growth in the medium. Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, Netflix’s documentary, “Marty: Life is Short,” offers a glimpse into Short’s life by gathering accounts from Short’s close ones and colleagues across different generations to let viewers learn about a man who truly embodied comedy, both in his on and off-screen presence. 

Throughout his five-decade long acting career, Martin Short had several iconic stints, which included hosting several popular talk shows and starring in series and movies. In almost all of them, the common factor has been the fact that Short’s comedic flair found expression in his ability to adapt into zany, bizarre characters, incorporating absurdities and improvising with unreal finesse. By Short’s own account, for him, comedy was not a medium to resort to so he could cope with life or a mantra for breakout success, rather, it came to him as a habit inculcated from a young age. Backed by a supportive family who encouraged his affinity to practice sketches and stand up rehearsals, Short credits his elder brother, Michael, a notable media figure as a comedy writer; their father, Charles; and their mother, Olive, a talented musician and violinist, for acting as a steady presence who motivated him to pursue his passion for comedy. Short also mentions how his eldest brother, David, has been a profound influence on him during his formative years. Olive, Charles, and David’s untimely demise left an impact on young Martin’s mind, but at the same time, the strength of their indomitable spirits taught Martin to celebrate and live life to the fullest. 

Short’s life found a new direction following his friendship with actor/ comedian Eugene Levy during his college years, and Eugene, who eventually became a frequent collaborator of his, had recognized his talent in acting. Following Eugene’s suggestion, Short ventured to Toronto, where he came across Andrea Martin in the Royal Alexandra Theatre’s production of “Godspell.” It is during this point of time that Martin became enamored with Andrea’s sister-in-law, Nancy Dolman, with whom he went on to pursue a committed relationship, and the couple were engaged in a loving marriage for three decades. Nancy was the rock in Martin’s life, as a talented performer herself, she has always been an inspiration for him through thick and thin, and the understanding they shared with each other acted as the pedestal of their loving relationship. Later on, the couple adopted three children, and Short’s colleagues attribute his role as a father allowing him to bring out his most genuine self. There was this very wholesome environment of a tight knit circle of friends and family members who shared a thorough understanding and appreciation for comedy, which Short acknowledges as a foundation which allowed him to grow as a person and as a comedian. 

Throughout his career, Short has received acclaim for his ability to write characters the likes of which seem to be amalgamations of kooky figures from children’s classics, and over-the-top satirical takes on real life individuals. Actor Catherine O’Hara, Short’s longtime friend, and who has collaborated with him on several sketches in the past, shares her amazement over how he gave life to such characters while improving, without the need of preparation or thorough backstory writing. Short himself mentions that he looked into the lives of the people around him to find the right note which can be used to develop such characters. During his tenure on SCTV, Short created and portrayed characters like Irving Cohen, Nathan Thurm, most notably, Ed Grimley – none of whom were remotely similar to each other, aside from sharing the spirit of Short’s energetic, eccentric comedy. After moving to SNL, Short’s career received a major boost in the form of new opportunities in the small screen and silver screen. However, success didn’t change Martin’s perspective on life and comedy, he still believes that despite everything he has achieved, 80% of his career consists of misfires, and he is content with those odds, as he believes that, as a showman, having the attitude of accepting losses is more important than anything else. Short’s philosophy helped his junior colleagues cope with the reality of showbiz. 

Martin Short’s collaboration with his fellow comedian, Steve Martin, is legendary, beginning with the cult classic movie, “Three Amigos.” Both exceptionally talented artists brought out the best in themselves by forming a bond through their comic sensibility, which was never tainted by ego or malice. Short was able to showcase his talent as an actor in several movies, including “Innerspace,” “Father of the Bride,” and later on, he found success on Broadway as well. 

Short’s loving relationship with his wife, Nancy, has been the source of his strength, and from the account of his friends, it becomes apparent how much they cherished their blissful family life at their home in Pacific Palisades. Director Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, who had become family friends of Nancy and Marty over the years, reminisce how their children found a second family in their loving embrace. Spielberg and Tom Hanks share their amusing memories of getting interviewed by Martin’s portrayal of eccentric, clueless movie buff Jiminy Glick, a character who revolutionized sketch comedies and paved the way for comedy talk shows like Zach Galifianakis’ “Between Two Ferns.” During its concluding moments, the documentary highlights the gravest tragedy in Martin’s life, the untimely passing of his wife, Nancy, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Afflicted with terminal illness. Short’s friends, Steve and Andrea, recall how Short threw himself into his work to cope with the agony. Marty found comfort in accepting the reality as it is in honour of Nancy, and kept her memories alive by dedicating himself to his passion of comedy. 

Getting to know Martin Short’s philosophy on life through the beautifully crafted documentary, we learn the resilience and strength that comes from the capacity of celebrating every little joys life has to offer. In his lowest moments, Marty faced fears and failure without giving up on joy. Even in desperate, dire situations, we have the freedom to choose how to respond, which is probably the best lesson which the documentary delivers without being didactic.