Most stories you hear about managers in the entertainment business are tales of cutthroat men and women who only care about money. The people they represent are only a means to that money, and if it isn’t about money, they aren’t interested.
But Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon is not such a story. Director Mike Myers (yes, that Mike Myers) documents the life of this accidental Hollywood insider whose career as a manager was based on compassion and not greed. Through historical footage, interviews with Shep’s clients (who he considers family), and fun reenactments, Myers has put together an amazing documentary about Shep’s life.
Originally, Shep Gordon set out to work in probation and change the lives of the youth in America. After not being accepted by his fellow probation officers and being beaten up by the kids in his charge, Shep left that job and headed to Los Angeles. After dropping acid and being punched by Janis Joplin, he was introduced to Alice Cooper and the creation of Alive Enterprises is born. Shep would indeed change the lives of the youth of America, just not in the way he had originally thought.
While this film traces Shep’s history and life as the most connected man in the entertainment world, Myers does an incredible job of capturing his incredibly compassionate side. While Shep is there to do a job for his clients, his goal always appears to be to help others. Whether that help is in making someone a star or helping an unexpected family survive and thrive, he is the man who walks alongside people to get things done instead of stepping on top of their heads to reach his goals.
Supermensch would not be complete if it did not chronicle the fact that Sep Gordon loves the ladies. While at times in his life he could party hard and keep the revolving door of women turning, Myers shows the audience that Shep also loves deeply and commits to the women he loves. At no point does it seem like he is a womanizer, instead you just know that he is a man who loves women. Myers also shows us the side of Shep that longs to be a father and have a baby. A journey that he is still on, and though he is older, he is still hopeful.
Watch Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon, you will like it. Not only will you like this doc, but you will like Shep Gordon, I know I do. The historical footage and the interviews with Shep’s friends and family help tell the story of this incredible man. The word “mensch” means a person of integrity and honor and this film shows us why Shep Gordon is the definition of that word in super ways.
Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon is available on Blu-ray and DVD. There are no bonus features.
