For the Love of Spock

source: For the Love of Spock

The problem with making this kind of documentary is that it is discussing the entire lifetime of a very popular and well-known person. On top of that we have the character he played. Even at nearly two hours it seems to only scratch the surface of anything. Although titled "For the Love of Spock" this documentary is more about Leonard Nimoy than it is Spock. A great deal is discussed about Nimoy himself and his relationships, but what really stands out here is what is largely missing: the evolution of the Spock character (touched on but lots untouched), Nimoy's period of disillusionment with the character ("I Am Not Spock"... given only "cameo portrait" here), why he returned to loving and embracing the character, his major achievements outside the Star Trek role, etc etc. No matter how hard this documentary may try, it simply could not cover it all. This could be a miniseries, each part discussing a certain aspect of Nimoy and/or the Spock character. But as it stands, this documentary helps us gain some insight into Nimoy (which I'm sure was the primary interest of viewers), was strikingly honest in its portrayal (the director himself, Nimoy's son, admitting major flaws in his relationship with Leonard... a fairly gutsy thing to do), and brief but earnest interviews with those closest to Leonard. I'm sure there is a TON of information they had to discard in this... enough to make several more documentaries. I personally find it sad that this couldn't have been kept to a family-friendly format. A couple of F-bombs and some * photos aren't all that unusual these days and most kids have probably seen far worse on the Net... but still one wishes directors would show just a bit more wisdom in creating something that is appropriate for ALL ages... especially something like this, which may be of some historical interest. So while not perfect (how could it be?) it is still a well-done documentary. What it does cover it covers well, and it attempts to be as diverse as possible within a less-than-2-hour time slot. There's only so much that one can do when documenting such a complex person and such a diverse and outstanding career. The one point it made that honed in best with my take on this: if we were to point at one single character that has shaped our modern world and propelled millions of people to accept science fiction as mainstream rather than the "nerd genre" it was once considered... it would be Spock. Yes, Star Trek itself and Nimoy was only part of that history-making concept. But the role of Spock was pivotal; that role was created by Roddenberry and then re-created by Nimoy. It wasn't until the advent of Star Wars some 9 years later that science fiction gained respect and went mainstream. During that time Star Trek was serialized and prepared an international audience for mainstream acceptance of science fiction. I saw that happen, over night, and it was very impressive. But this review isn't about the Spock character, or Nimoy himself. It's about this documentary and whether or not it was well-done and successful. I think within the limited scope of what it could present in the time slot allotted, yes it was very well done. Had it been 6 hours long, totally family-friendly and covered more of the Spock phenomena, I may have easily given it 10 stars.

Let me start this review by stating I have never been that much of a "Star Trek" fan. I thought the series was okay, but it never held my interest that much. However, since the time it first aired, it has now become an iconic series, and Leonard Nimoy's role as Spock is one of the reasons why. This movie is directed by Spock's son, who up until a few years ago, the two were as estranged as most Hollywood father/son duos. It was amazing to see how they both worked to turn that relationship around and you can tell they cared deeply for each other. The interviews with Nimoy are spellbinding. He certainly did not know how his characterization of this one character would be his calling card even after his death. Overall, the movie was very interesting, enlightening, and heart- felt. I highly recommend it. The movie has a little salty language, but nothing else to offend. More an 8-1/2 rating than an 8.

Despite the fact that William Shatner's Captain Kirk was the ostensible lead of "Star Trek: The Original Series", it was ultimately Leonard Nimoy's Mr. Spock that often stole the show. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Trek, Leonard's son Adam Nimoy decided to make a documentary somewhat focusing on his father's time as Spock. When Leonard unexpectedly passed from COPD, however, Adam decided that the documentary must take on a more personal, emotional tone. "For the Love of Spock" was the end result, an emotional piece that thrives on its ability to show Mr. Nimoy the husband and father. Because Nimoy (and his alter-ego Spock) had become such a luminous figure in the entertainment community, it is very interesting to get "insider" glimpses into what his life was like when the cameras stopped rolling. That is the heart and soul of "For The Love Of Spock". Thoughts about Leonard/Spock from fellow actors and family members are quite poignant, while Adam's composure and dignity in hearing all this about his father is interesting to take in as well. The reason I can't give this the full five stars is because the parts dealing with Trek/Spock in general are rather generic, using footage I had seen before and not really giving me any new information. Without the shift in focus towards the familial side of Nimoy, I think this may have been a rather middle-of-the-road documentary. Overall, though, I very much enjoyed watching "For the Love of Spock", as it provided me with new insight into the personality of Leonard Nimoy and how not only his peers but also his family viewed him. Adam Nimoy does a good job of getting the most out of the experience, and many emotional moments are present. Highly recommend for those who still can't quite believe that Mr. Nimoy has left this mortal coil, and want to get a peek into his life both on and off camera.

*Spoiler/plot- For the Love of Spock, 2016. The film's focus began as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Star Trek: the Original Series, but after Leonard NImoy passed away in February 2015, his director son, Adam was ready to tell an additional private story: his personal experience growing up with Leonard Nimoy and "Mr. Spock". This documentary details the universal impact of Mr. Spock in our culture and the bumpy road of being the son of a 60's TV icon. *Special Stars- Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, JJ Abrams, George Takei and many more of the Trek crew. *Theme- Family must go on and family is important. *Trivia/location/goofs- Adam Nimoy is a TV director, entertainment lawyer, and a documentarian. He soon is becoming a Trek TV show writer. I saw this fine film when Adam Nimoy showed it a a local Hebrew temple and stayed around for questions afterwards. *Emotion- Don't look for some fannish shallow canonization of either Nimoy or Spock in this film. This is a more professional and well balanced film. A wonderful and even handed exploration of the Trek icon Mr. Spock and well themed positive film about family, forgiveness, and over coming adversity. *Based On- Adam Nimoy's tribute to his creative and talented father and his father's Trek contributions.

(*Memorable "Spock" quote*) - "Live long and prosper." If you l-o-v-e Spock (aka. Leonard Nimoy) - Then - You really gotta see "For the Love of Spock". Nimoy had played the Spock character for 50 years - And, I think that you will agree with me - He portrayed his beloved alter-ego perfectly. Through stills, rare film-footage, and interviews with both Nimoy family members and those who had worked around him - Nimoy is unanimously looked upon, by one and all, with the greatest of admiration and respect. This intriguing and informative documentary is, indeed, a labour of love that was directed by Adam Nimoy, Leonard's grown son (who clearly shows a striking resemblance to his father). *Note* - In 2015 - Leonard Nimoy (83 at the time) died from incurable lung disease.

I found this documentary to be a fitting companion piece to Leonard Nimoy's own autobiography titled "I Am Not Spock". Like many Star Trek fans, the character made famous by Nimoy happens to be my favorite from that series, and it's a tribute to all those connected with the show that it's influence and popularity endures for over fifty years since it went off the air. I got a kick out of the clip in which Nimoy reads the first review of Star Trek from the Hollywood bible, 'Variety' magazine, which stated that the show 'won't work'. I do recall those arguments by studio executives that the program was 'too cerebral', suggesting that it needed to be dumbed down to an audience that could understand it better. I just love it when real life intrudes on the biases people have when they think they know more than the average person. The things that made Spock, and thereby the show popular, were the things that appealed to viewers who could identify with it's characters and want to go on a journey with them. The one thing I was never aware of was the existence of these so called 'slash fantasy' fanzines that fantasized about a gay relationship between Captain Kirk and his science officer. I can understand it, even if the idea strikes me as surreal. Besides Nimoy's development of the Spock character, this doc goes on to describe his life after Star Trek and the personal issues he encountered with it's constant demands, which affected his family life. On screen appearances by his son Adam, who directed the film, siblings Mel and Sybil Nimoy, and a host of fellow actors from the TV series and subsequent movies, lend credence to the huge effect Nimoy had on fans and followers. It's a worthwhile documentary to experience if you're a Star Trek fan, and quite honestly, even if you're not.

A full circle story of a man's life that started with family and ended with an extended family that he returned to and what mattered most to him at the end of his life. It's hard not to see yourself in this story with the very personal way that Adam tells his father's story. Adam not only reveals the popular persona that most of us know, but also the very personal side of Leonard and how his popular persona affected the family and Adam himself. Adam tells of how he cherished the rare time he spent with his dad and the hectic schedule Leonard kept with not only the series but also personal appearances. There are short snippets of Adam's life and career and how supportive his dad was when he wanted to change careers. I was waiting for that tearful interview with Mr. Shatner, but sadly that never came. Leonard not only gave us a beloved character in Spock, but also an example of how to live life well and explore new things and not settle for something that doesn't make you happy, for that becomes just a "job." LLAP

This documentary starts with chronological overview of Nimoy's younger years of private life and his determination to make it as an actor. Handpicked for Star Trek. The insight how Nimoy formed and perfected Spock's character is told by a fleet of his co-stars, directors, writers,fans and then some. In my opinion the film should have ended here. Why? From here on it's the director (and son) Adam Nimoy painting the picture. Black. Unwillingly we learn of his life issues; failures, addictions, losses caused by his father. No love for Spock, mainly envy. Maybe making this film was comforting. So is therapy. Sorry, no applause. If this is his hope to healing it is

A touching and well made tribute to an entertainment icon. Adam Nimoy has truly reached deep into his father's, and his own, past experiences to bring to life this crowd funded portrait of the man who gave us the immortal Mr. Spock. Littered with cameos from fellow cast members, directors, fans, conventioneers, and fellow actors, For The Love of Spock is one of the best biographical documentaries I've ever seen, and an essential for the Trek faithful. Not limited to the professional, the younger Nimoy also relates his own experiences at home both as a child and later in their lives. You'll laugh, you'll cry... and perhaps relive some of what made Nimoy beloved to millions.