Movie Review: GLORIA GAYNOR: I WILL SURVIVE

by Jason Godbey

In this excerpt from episode 1418 of No Rest for the Weekend, Jason Godbey reviews the new documentary, Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive, opening in theaters for one night only on February 13th.

Just about everyone knows Gloria Gaynor particularly if you grew up in a certain era, but until now, little was known about her life. The documentary takes a close look at the artist and her struggles with health and career as we follow her journey to record a new gospel album, “Testimony” which took years to complete.

It’s filmed in a very cinema verite style, much of it is captured on the fly with a couple of sit-down interview pieces. It’s mainly told from Gaynor’s point of view, but it seems very candid for the most part. We see her working with other gospel artists through the process of recording the album. We also see footage of her on stage, touring, and interacting with fans. We are also shown a private side of Gaynor who is very honest about her past, dealing with stardom, and her break up with her ex-husband/manager.

I can’t say I’m a huge fan of disco or gospel music, but Gloria Gaynor is a magnetic personality and a singular talent. The film is inspiring especially for people who have struggled in one way or another. There’s a lot one can relate to, and the title is apt. “I Will Survive” is the song he is best known for, but it’s also her theme song. It’s an anthem, an ode to survival and overcoming adversity, and it has a cool groove anyone can dance to. Much of the inspiration from the film comes from Gaynor herself, her will and spirit. She is a survivor and still going strong, still making music. If you’re a fan of Gloria Gaynor, or if you love rock-u-mentaries, this film is a must-see.

Originally published at http://behindtherabbitproductions.wordpress.com on February 8, 2024.