Watch Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon

Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon, released in 2013, is a documentary film directed by Mike Myers that outlines the life and career of rock band manager Shep Gordon. The film features interviews with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Willie Nelson, Alice Cooper, and Michael Douglas, as well as with Shep himself, who offers an intimate, personal look into his life and experiences.

The film opens with footage of Shep's childhood on Long Island and his move to Los Angeles in the 1960s, where he initially struggled to find his place in the entertainment industry. However, after a chance encounter with Janis Joplin, who he later became romantically involved with, Shep found himself drawn into the rock and roll world and soon became one of its most influential managers. The film follows Shep's career as he manages a wide variety of rock stars, including Alice Cooper, Luther Vandross, and Pink Floyd, and later moves into film production and culinary pursuits.

One of the most striking aspects of Supermensch is the sheer variety of people involved in the film. Shep Gordon's wide circle of friends and colleagues is a testament to the impact that he has had on the entertainment industry over the years, and the film does an excellent job of highlighting the incredible range of experiences that he has had. From dealing with record labels and concert promoters to producing films like The Duellists and Kiss of the Spider Woman, Shep has truly seen it all, and the film does a great job of capturing the scope of his many accomplishments.

Part of what makes Supermensch so engaging is its use of humor and irony. Shep Gordon is a charismatic individual who isn't afraid to poke fun at himself, and the film is filled with humorous anecdotes and insights into the workings of the entertainment business. For example, we learn that Shep came up with the idea of giving Alice Cooper a live python onstage as part of his act, and that his culinary pursuits (which include founding the Whole Foods Market chain and working with celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck) were largely motivated by a desire to impress women.

At the same time, however, the film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Shep's personal life. We learn that despite his many accomplishments and successes, he remained largely unfulfilled in his personal life, and struggled with loneliness and drug addiction for many years. The film is honest and unflinching in its portrayal of Shep's struggles, offering a nuanced and complex view of what it means to achieve success in the entertainment industry.

Overall, Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon is a fascinating, entertaining, and ultimately moving documentary that offers a unique perspective on the world of entertainment. Through its mix of interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, the film paints a vivid and engaging portrait of a man who has truly lived an extraordinary life. Whether you're a fan of rock and roll, film, or cuisine, Supermensch is a must-see film that offers a deep and insightful look into the workings of the entertainment industry.

Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 64.