What was once a documentary to look forward in 2017 is now, as of the tragic last week, one of the most essential viewings of the year. Following a premiere at Cannes — and screenings at Telluride, Toronto, and AFI Fest — HBO has astutely decided to move up their debut of Bright Lights, the documentary about the late Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, to this weekend.
Ahead of the premiere of Alexis Bloom and Fisher Stevens‘ documentary, HBO has now released the first trailer and clip. Each screening should come with a box of tissues as this looks to be an intimate look at the Fisher and Reynolds family, complete with vintage video and photos mixed with recent cinéma vérité-style footage. Ahead of a premiere on HBO this Saturday, check out the trailer and clip below.
BRIGHT LIGHTS: STARRING CARRIE FISHER AND DEBBIE REYNOLDS is an intimate portrait of Hollywood royalty, in all its eccentricity. At 83 years old, grand dame Debbie Reynolds (star of “Singing in the Rain,”) still performs a Las Vegas act, dressed in gold lamé. But performing takes its toll, and Debbie’s health suffers. This devastates her daughter, “Star Wars” actress Carrie Fisher, whose response is both hilarious and heart-rending. Carrie is helpless in the face of her mother’s determination that “the show must go on.”
Through vintage family films, iconic old-world Hollywood history comes to life. Rich cinema verité also takes us to into the heart of Beverly Hills today, where Carrie and Debbie live together. This is a film about show business, and bittersweet family love.
Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds premieres Saturday, January 7 at 8PM on HBO.