Elaine Stritch has been on Broadway since 1944 (Sundance Selects).

In Chiemi Karasawa’s “Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me,” longtime fans and younger generations get a glimpse into the life of the legendary stage performer. The film opens with a question anyone would have trouble answering: “how do you feel about where you are in your life?” In typical Elaine Stritch form, she scornfully expresses her desire to drive stating, “then I’d really be a menace.” 

Younger generations will likely know Ms. Stritch as Jack Donaghy’s (Alec Baldwin) mother on “30 Rock.” Her character displayed an unrelenting coldness to her son, never allowing him to sense her pride. Ms. Stritch, in actuality, speaks her mind without remorse, but subtle warmth finds its way into these moments, leading to endless praises of her honesty and compassion. 

The late James Gandolfini recalls his first meeting with Ms. Stritch as one rife with hostility and confrontational speech. After finishing the story with a sly smile, Gandolfini admits there would have been a "torrid love affair" between the two with a contentious ending had they been closer in age. 

These dichotomous stories, depicting Ms. Stritch as abrasive yet lovable, act as marking points throughout the film. In between, the audience gets an unfiltered Elaine Stritch. Her confidence; her caring; her incredible sense of humor; her diva moments; her appreciation for what she’s accomplished; and, most importantly, her natural fear of mortality.

After detailing her struggles with alcoholism and diabetes, Ms. Stritch provides her late husband’s most affective saying: “Everybody’s got a sack of rocks.” Despite Ms. Stritch’s innate ability to light up a room with her strength of character, the documentary captures her at her weakest, as well. She forgets lyrics to songs, loses control of her speech and spends a significant amount of time in the hospital during filming. 

The structure and editing of the film allows these distressing scenes to thrive, but also keeps them from bringing the tone of the film too low. A significant portion of the film is devoted to Ms. Stritch’s show “Singin’ Sondheim…One Song at a Time,” where she stands on stage with her confidant and pianist, Rob Bowman, singing Stephen Sondheim’s greatest hits in her thin, white, button-down shirt and trademark leggings. Her voice may not be smooth and melodic, but Elaine Stritch’s presence is infectious and addicting. 

She toys with the audience, cracks jokes, has fun and shows she is truly appreciative that each and every person came out to see her. Through the various interviews with stars like Gandolfini and Tina Fey, it is clear Ms. Stritch is as genuine on stage as she is off it.  

READ MORE: Film Review: 'Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me'

Karasawa and her crew obviously enjoyed their time with Ms. Stritch, as the film is almost entirely a positive image of the performer. At this stage in her career and life, it is doubtful Ms. Stritch would care whether or not the depiction was positive, as long as people enjoyed the show. 

By the end, “Shoot Me” is equal parts touching, humorous, engaging, sweet and poignant. Everyone will have to come face to face with his or her mortality; it’s just a matter of how you handle it. From the looks of it, Elaine Stritch has come to terms with the inevitable and has decided to laugh her way to the end. Thankfully, she is gracious enough to bring us along for the ride. 

* At the time of filming, Ms. Stritch was 87; She is currently 89. 

Read more by Michael at MHMovieReviews.com.

Reach Staff Reporter Michael Huard here.