R.J. Cutler Tries to Unmask Martha Stewart in Mixed-Bag Netflix Documentary

From teenage model to upper-crust caterer to domestic doyenne to media-spanning billionaire to convicted felon, Martha Stewart has led a life that’s nothing short of extraordinary. The latest Netflix documentary, Martha, directed by R.J. Cutler, captures this incredible journey. From her early modeling days to her current persona as a quirky octogenarian and friend of Snoop Dogg, the film takes viewers through an unlikely yet fascinating path that’s been lived largely in the public eye.

Martha seems targeted at audiences who, while interested in Stewart, may not have closely followed her life’s progression. For younger viewers unfamiliar with her pre-Snoop Dogg era, and older viewers who thought she vanished into obscurity after her prison stint, the documentary offers a comprehensive glimpse into Stewart’s life. Cutler opts for a straightforward and linear narrative, largely avoiding sensational reveals.

What keeps Martha engaging is the dynamic between Cutler and Stewart. The director is no stranger to documenting high-profile, prickly personalities, having worked on films about Anna Wintour and Dick Cheney. Stewart, a powerhouse with a well-earned "don’t-give-a-f**k" attitude, engages with Cutler on her terms. Icy when necessary, selectively candid when it suits her, Stewart turns the film into a semi-collaborative effort. Half the story is the one Stewart wants to tell, and the other half is Cutler’s interpretation of it. This dynamic is what makes the documentary entertaining, more so than its basic biographical details.

The documentary features interviews with friends, family, co-workers, and adversaries, but only Stewart appears on camera. Others provide their insights through voice-over, serving as background to footage of Stewart over the years, as well as scenes from her lavish Turkey Hill farmhouse.

These "access" scenes depict Stewart going about her daily life, often ignoring the camera. It’s Stewart’s way of showing, "I’m prepared to give you my time, but mostly as it’s convenient for me." At 83, Stewart is still as busy as ever and needs the documentary less than the documentary needs her. Cutler tries to probe deeper, engaging Stewart on various topics, such as the difference between her husband’s affair and her own infidelity. Stewart often deflects, providing personal correspondences and her prison diary instead, allowing Cutler to work with those semi-revealing documents.

At times, Cutler leaves viewers to read between the lines. For instance, in a discussion about her affairs, Stewart’s ex-husband Andy is mentioned but never heard. Stewart also points fingers at producer Mark Burnett for not understanding her brand post-prison, which might explain his absence from the documentary and the minimal attention given to "The Martha Stewart Show" and "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart."

Post-prison, Stewart’s life narrative is a bit glossed over. The documentary suggests a quick transition from "everything was bad" to "everything was good" after she roasted Justin Bieber. Occasionally, Stewart reveals her emotions, such as when she comments on the death of the New York Post reporter who covered her trial. More commonly, she dismisses contempt with a simple eye roll or a stare, signaling Cutler to move on.

Cutler’s film seems to follow Stewart’s lead, either by her influence or through a mutual understanding between the two. Throughout, her pursuit of perfection is a recurring theme, culminating in her own observation: "I think imperfection is something that you can deal with." Despite this revelation, there’s no sign that she’s let go of her exacting standards. Instead, she’s curated a version of herself that embraces calculated imperfection, and it’s a version people adore.

In the end, Martha provides an insightful look at Stewart’s life, balancing her public persona with personal moments, directed deftly by Cutler.

Source: Telluride