When you think of New York City, the last thing that comes to mind is the twang of a banjo. However, Steve Martin manages to make it work. He recently performed for "Sunday Morning" at his apartment, wowing everyone in attendance with his incredible talent.
Despite the praise, Martin himself was not satisfied. "Oh, I blew it there!" he exclaimed.
This moment encapsulates Martin's approach to life. Now, audiences can witness his journey firsthand through a new Apple TV project titled "STEVE! (martin) a documentary in two pieces," which chronicles his evolution from a nervous child to the beloved superstar he is today.
Reflecting on his early days, Martin boldly claims, "I guarantee I had no talent, none." He maintains this stance, adding, "Well, meaning I couldn't sing, dance, or act."
When asked what he possessed in place of talent, Martin responded, "A love of show business."
With the assistance of filmmaker Morgan Neville, known for directing the acclaimed 2018 Fred Rogers documentary "Won't You Be My Neighbor?," Martin shares his remarkable journey with the world.
Neville shared that he had received information through word of mouth that Martin might be interested: "I heard a rumor that someone asked Steve in an elevator if he would consider making a documentary – and it's true! – and he responded, 'Maybe.' And that was the opening we needed."
It's not just a small opening: Neville managed to obtain all of Martin's early performances, his detailed diaries, and a significant amount of his time.
The filmmaker had been a supporter of Martin's since childhood: "When I was 12, I persuaded my dad to take me to Las Vegas to watch Steve perform stand-up at the Riviera. I actually had the opportunity to see Steve perform stand-up. I attended both the early show and the late show on the same night!"
Martin chimed in, "I was also present at both those shows."
One thing Neville uncovered about Martin is his humility.
"I believe you have to be [modest]," Martin remarked. "I recall Mike Nichols once told me, he said, 'When I'm in New York, I am Mike Nichols. When I go to L.A., I'm thinking, '…How am I doing?!?''"
It appears he took that advice to heart:
By the late '70s, Martin had achieved immense success beyond his wildest dreams: He was a regular on "Saturday Night Live"; his comedy tours were selling out across the country; and his stand-up album "Let's Get Small" was the first comedy record to reach platinum status.
And then, he walked away from the stage. "I was exhausted by it," he said. "And I thought, 'Wow. When I do standup, I have to go there. If I do a movie, I stay home, and the movie goes there.' And also, it had a sense of permanence, like you could get the thing exactly right."
So, Martin went from standup king to movie star. But he still had his moments of self-doubt.
In the documentary he recalls a journalist asking him, "Why aren't you funny anymore?"
"It was a bad moment, 'cause I was thinking that myself," he said. "You go through highs and lows in your career, you know? So, at any moment, you can be thinking, 'Everything's working, everything's feeling great.' And then, you know, a year later, you're going, 'Hmmmm…'"
But there have been plenty of highs, from "The Jerk" and "All of Me," to "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Three Amigos." Martin has made more than 40 films, some of which are now considered comedy classics.
"Sometimes, I sort of look around and go, 'How'd this happen? Where did this come in?'" he said. "And in my most self-congratulatory moment, I go, 'It all came out of my head!'"
At age 78, he's on a hit TV show, "Only Murders in the Building"; he's back doing standup with Martin Short; and he has, by his own admission, mellowed with age.
Smith inquired, "One of the things you discuss frequently in the second film is that you've undergone a transformation, and your friends have noticed it as well. I believe at one point you mention, 'I wasn't mean, I was just distant.'"
"Yes," replied Martin. "I recall Tommy Smothers once mentioned, as I was writing for his show, 'Talking to Steve Martin is like talking to nobody.' No, I have changed. I can't quite explain it. I'm simply kinder, more approachable.
"I have this belief that as you grow older, you either embrace your worst qualities or your best. And I feel like I've embraced my better self – while I see others embracing their worst selves. They become more hostile. They become more challenging. And for me, it's a pretty distinct line."
He may have thought he lacked talent, but through his life, Steve Martin has crafted a masterpiece.
So, what insights did he gain about himself while being the focal point of a documentary? "Well, nothing," he admitted.
Nothing? Smith probed, "Then why do it? What was the purpose of undergoing this experience, from your perspective?"
"Well, it's all part of the show business world, you know?"
"But there seems to be more to it than that, because you don't get caught up in the superficial aspects of show business, do you? You didn't have to do this."
"It's truly a remarkable outcome to have a documentary made about you," he expressed.
"So, is this the direction you saw your career heading? A documentary as the next step?"
"Absolutely. I used to watch – and still do – 'American Masters,' dreaming of being the subject of a documentary one day. And now, here we are."
"And at 78 years old," he chuckled. "When else would it happen?"
To view a preview for "STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces" click on the video player below:
For more information:
- "STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces" debuts on Apple TV+ on March 29
- stevemartin.com
Story created by John D'Amelio. Editor: Steven Tyler.
See also:
- Steve Martin and Harry Bliss on the concise joy of cartoons ("Sunday Morning")
- Steve Martin and Martin Short: Two amigos on tour ("Sunday Morning")
- Steve Martin and Edie Brickell: Behind the scenes of "Bright Star" ("Sunday Morning")
- Steve Martin on objects of beauty ("Sunday Morning")
- Steve Martin slightly less wild and crazy ("Sunday Morning")
- From the archives: Steve Martin's love of art (YouTube Video)
