Introducing, Selma Blair

God Bless you Selma Blair. I wasn't sure what to expect - but I can say it touched me, moved me to tears and made me thankful for doctors and medical professionals who are constantly working to find new ways to treat these debilitating illnesses. Selma, you are so strong and brave to share your story this way. Xo.

SXSW 2021 Greetings again from the darkness. Whether it's navigating the stairs on all fours, getting a boost up to the saddle of her beloved horse, or showing off her glittery turbans and walking canes, the showmanship of actress Selma Blair seems ever-present despite the severe effects of her Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Documentarian Rachel Fleit films the daily challenges faced by Ms. Blair as she comes to grips with the disease and its impact on her career, her life, and her ability to raise her son.

You likely recognize Selma Blair from her most popular movies, CRUEL INTENTIONS (1999) and LEGALLY BLONDE (2001). She admits to viewing herself as a supporting actor, rather than a star, but with 80 screen credits over 25 years, she's certainly worked consistently. But here we see her daily physical and emotional struggles, though her sense of humor is present except for the darkest moments. Cracking wise about Kim Kardashian or Norma Desmond (SUNSET BLVD), and never hesitating to ensure her cane serves the dual purpose of fashion accessory, Ms. Blair keeps us constantly guessing as to whether she is serving up raw emotions or her best performance in the moment.

We can easily forgive her if a bit of her good humor is an act. It seems clear the film is designed to be a "gift" to her young son Arthur, should her life be cut short. Early on, we witness an MS episode when the stimulus gets to be too much. Her physical contortions and impaired speech are difficult to watch, but necessary for us to fully understand the brutality of the disease.

Half of the film is dedicated to her decision to seek stem cell treatment. The process is long and arduous, and we are spared much of the worst that she experiences. Still, it's a weeks-long cycle followed by a two year recovery, with no guarantee of improvement. In fact, no miracle cure or recovery occurs, and Ms. Blair initially seems shocked that she has two years of recovery ahead. It's difficult to believe she had not previously been informed.

Selma Blair's slogan, "We have so much time to be dead", is a terrific message and she's to be commended and respected for opening up her challenges to the camera. It's hopeful that her willingness to do so will help others, while also educating those unfamiliar with this disease. Mommy issues and extra drama aside, this film is quite something to experience.

I watched the documentary maybe a week ago and still don't know what to write for a review. The only thing I CAN say is that watching it changed my life and perspective in several ways. Selma, thank you for sharing your humanity with the world.

Selma's experience just brings it all home for us, doesn't it? We are fragile, impermanent beings who live every moment by chance. By chance, we made it home safely today. By chance, we grew old to see our children get married. By chance, we woke up one morning and couldn't feel our legs.

If we're lucky, we all at one time in our lives will have that "come to Jesus" moment where life is very fxcking real and there we are standing at the shore trying to hold back the waves, only to realize we are not in control.

This is one person's story of the human experience. It is funny. It's tragic. It's angry. It's hopeful. It's frustrating. It's spiritual.

Forget who you are for just moment and watch this. Forget how you're going to get what you want, forget that resentment you're nursing, forget how wounded by others you feel - watch this, and connect with a story that is not Selma's alone but on a much deeper level is all of ours.

Honestly I haven't seen this show because I don't have discovery plus but around 15 years ago I spent a day with Selma Blair and she left an impression on me that I most likely will never forget.

I drove a limousine in L. A. For a few years and I picked up hundreds of celebrities from actors, musicians, athletes and other famous people. Quite simply, Selma was the best. It was a bit surreal because I had watched Legally Blonde the night before and knew her by face but not by name. I knew she was a good actress because I both hated her and then loved her in that movie.

She was with two friends and we were going to some kind of press junket in Malibu. After waiting for them she came back and gave me all these goodies she got for showing up which included some designer sunglasses. Then after that they wanted to stop at a seaside restaurant where much to my surprise Selma invited me to join them. Here I got to know her and she was so down to earth and intelligent and gave me great advice on acting and show business.

When I dropped them off even though the tip was included she gave me a very generous cash tip on top of the swag and free meal. I won't forget her warm personality and I am sad she is going through this but it couldn't happen to a stronger person. Love you Selma!