If you spent far too much time this year watching Robbie Williams sitting on a bed in his underpants unpicking his life, or tried to do the Beckham’s loved-up dance in the kitchen, you’re not alone: celebrity documentaries made big news this year with Netflix leading the way. They included Pamela, a Love Story (Anderson), Arnold (Schwarzenegger), and Sly (Stallone) all on Netlix as well as documentaries on other streamers such as the Michael J Fox film, Still, on Apple TV+. But as they are made in co-operation with their starry subjects, are these films worthwhile looks behind the scenes or simply PR-driven vehicles? Patrick Freyne who writes a weekly Irish Times column on TV give his take. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.
From Robbie Williams to the Beckhams: Patrick Freyne on celebrity documentaries
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2023 was the year of the PR-driven celebrity documentary
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![David Beckham attends the Netflix 'Beckham' UK premiere in London. Photograph: Gareth Cattermole/Getty](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/XZZ6EX5FVFPPD6PM3TRR4GQBIY.jpg?auth=77299eefd9f97f17684de0d5b5d1659ba1dff39999ffcfd34f452754cd78cd78&smart=true&width=1024&height=692)