Irene Taylor, the director of the poignant documentary "I Am: Celine Dion," shared an emotional insight with Yahoo, revealing that the iconic singer was overcome with tears throughout her first viewing of the film. In this deeply personal work, Dion bravely bares her soul, shedding light on her private battle with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), a rare autoimmune neurological disorder. Describing the film as a heartfelt dedication to her adoring fans, Dion offers an intimate glimpse into the health struggles that have marked her recent years.
Since its June 17 premiere, poignant clips from the documentary have surfaced online, stirring hearts worldwide. One particularly heart-wrenching scene captures Dion, 56, enduring an intense SPS episode, her body rigid and unable to move or speak, communicating solely through the gentle squeeze of a caregiver's finger.
In an exclusive interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Taylor recounted the moment she presented Dion with the 100-minute Prime Video documentary prior to its public release. "The film is fraught with sensitive moments, yet I never hesitated to share it with her, despite its intimacy," Taylor confessed. "She was visibly moved, tears streaming down her face throughout the viewing."
The documentary culminates in a poignant moment where, following an exhilarating yet exhausting day in the studio, Dion experiences a medical emergency. Her body suddenly freezes, and she finds herself unable to communicate except through subtle gestures. As a sports therapist administers diazepam nasal spray, Taylor and her team anxiously monitor Dion's vital signs, refraining from calling for emergency services. Miraculously, Dion emerges from the episode, her resilience on full display. Upon witnessing this scene for the first time, Dion reportedly instructed Taylor, "Don't change a thing."
Taylor vividly recalled the traumatic incident, detailing how Dion's therapist anticipated the episode and how they responded swiftly, trapped in a corner of the room. "I held a microphone, using it to gauge her breathing," Taylor shared, her voice tinged with emotion. "It was profoundly upsetting for all of us, including Celine. But she felt validated by the footage, believing it would help others understand the reality of SPS."
Prior to filming, Taylor and Dion had never discussed what would happen if Dion experienced a health issue during production. "I honestly believed it was so unlikely that it never crossed our minds to have that conversation," Taylor admitted, noting that Dion's episodes were infrequent. Over the course of nearly a year of filming, Taylor observed Dion's health gradually improve. "At first, she was at a low point, struggling without a definitive diagnosis," Taylor explained. "Once she received a consensus from medical professionals, she felt a sense of relief and could move forward with a more structured treatment plan."
The documentary showcases Dion's profound trust in Taylor, with the singer entrusting her story to the director's capable hands. "We had an unspoken agreement," Taylor reminisced. "She said, 'If you let me tell my story in my own words, without someone else speaking on my behalf, I'll give you my all.' And I promised her I was more than willing to do just that—it was precisely what drew me to this project."
"I Am: Celine Dion" begins streaming on Prime Video on June 25, offering viewers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the life and struggles of one of music's most beloved icons.
