Bright Lights, the HBO documentary focused on the complex relationship between Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, could not have come at a more striking moment. In the final week of 2016, Fisher died [1] due to complications from a heart attack just one day before Reynolds herself passed away [2] from a stroke. Following the heartbreaking news, the world at large began to mourn the mother-daughter duo in tandem; brother and son Todd Fisher even shared a sweet drawing [3] depicting both women in their most iconic roles. Now, it seems like Bright Lights will forever capture the loving bond between the two. Here's everything we've uncovered about the project.
1. The Content
According to an early review from the Los Angeles Times [7], the film was mostly shot in 2014 and 2015. It chronicles the months leading up to Reynolds's honor at the 2015 SAG Awards: a lifetime achievement award. Fisher, on the other hand, was preparing to reprise her iconic role as Princess Leia [8] in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens. The primary goal of the filmmakers, it seems, was to capture the intoxicating, unmistakable bond between the mother-daughter duo.
HBO said the documentary "is an intimate portrait of Hollywood royalty in all its eccentricity. Carrie Fisher and her mother, Debbie Reynolds, live in the same Beverly Hills compound. The 83-year-old grand dame still has a Las Vegas act, but performing is taking its toll. Carrie's response is both hilarious and heart-rending."
2. Quotes From the Filmmakers
- Alexis Bloom, on the pair's bond: "I mean, the first time we filmed Carrie and Debbie together, that was the storyline, really. Sort of the ties that bind us. We didn't know when we would stop or how far back we would archive, but the axis on which the film turned was their relationship and their love."
- Bloom, on Fisher's gravitas: "I feel incredibly tender toward Carrie when she's home getting her manicure because she's incredibly manic. You can see she's in pain and you can see what a survivor she is. She is incredibly honest and kind of vulnerable at the same time, and I love that scene when she plays with the ladies who are doing her nails with glitter. That is Carrie. She's covered in glitter, and she has that fairy dust about her."
- Fisher Stevens, on the best moment: "The scene that encapsulates the film best for me was when we interview Debbie, and Carrie sets off the burglar alarm. I had actually set it by mistake. Debbie started to feel worse and worse during the interview, anyway, so we weren't getting much, but after the alarm she woke up and gave us great stuff. She truly is unsinkable."
3. A Bit of Preliminary Footage
This clip was released back in May 2016 and shows Fisher preparing for a trek to her mother's house (which is next door). Even in just one minute, we get a glimpse at the funny relationship, especially when Fisher tells Reynolds she can't keep her retro flip phone because it's "ridiculous." On Tuesday, HBO also released a full trailer [9].
4. The Premiere Date
The documentary was initially slated for a March release, but in the wake of the stars' deaths, the new premiere date is Jan. 7 at 8 p.m.