Céline Dion’s documentary captures ‘intense’ medical attack

Published: June 28, 2024

Céline Dion’s documentary captures ‘intense’ medical attack

By Movieguide® Contributor

Viewers watching Céline Dion’s documentary “I AM: CELINE DION” witness the effects of the rare neurological disorder “stiff person syndrome” when the megastar suffers a full-body spasm during a physical therapy session.

The seizure occurred shortly after a recording session for her new song “Love Again,” and her legs began to cramp, leaving her unable to speak or move. Dion was given benzodiazepines for anxiety and muscle spasms, and was later able to sit upright and speak again.

“It was the most uncomfortable moment of my life, as a filmmaker, but also as a mother, as a fellow human being, because I didn’t know what was happening,” said Irene Taylor, the director of the documentary. said.

The incident was so “intense,” Taylor recalls, that she wasn’t sure whether to continue filming, but remembered what Dion had told her earlier when she was documenting the singer’s journey.

“(Céline) gave me the strength to just keep going. We had been filming together for many months at that point, so she really taught me, ‘Just keep going. If I have to stop you, I’ll stop you,'” Taylor said in an interview with Hoda Kotb.

Her doctor, Dr. Amanda Piquet, who is helping the 56-year-old cope with the disease, explained in more detail what happens when the body suffers a spasm like Dion’s.

“It is not a seizure,” Piquet said“It’s a cramp and patients are aware of what’s going on. There’s a lot of fear, a lot of panic, adrenaline is pumping through their veins.”

Environmental factors as well as emotional stress can trigger seizures in SPS patients. In the documentary, Dion’s medical team told her that the seizure was likely triggered by her previous recording session, which raised concerns about whether she would be able to perform on stage in front of thousands.

Despite the uncertainty caused by the disruption, Dion expressed hope for her future and her determination to perform on stage again.

“I hope we will find a miracle, a way to cure it with scientific research, but for now I have to learn to live with it,” she said. told Vogue France. “Five days a week I do sports, physical and voice therapy. I work on my toes, my knees, my calves, my fingers, my singing, my voice.”

“I have to trust myself. I have to trust my team. I have to trust my voice. I’ve been through tough times, but we all do,” she said. said on the TODAY show. “But also a lot of joy. I’m going to experience a lot of happiness soon.”

I AM: CELINE DION premiered on Amazon Prime Video on June 25. The documentary offers an intimate look into the life of the “Power of Love” singer and her battle with SPS in hopes of raising awareness of the disease.

“The last few years have been a huge challenge for me, the journey from discovering my illness to learning to live with it and deal with it without letting it define me,” she says. Posted on social media. “As I resume my career as a singer, I’ve realized how much I’ve missed being able to see my fans. During this time away, I decided to document this part of my life to raise awareness of this little-known disease and help others who share this diagnosis.”

The multiple Grammy award winner received a standing ovation at the New York premiere of her film as she thanked her family and fans.

Film Guide® reported:

“This is by far the biggest audience I’ve had in years,” the singer said as she introduced the film to a crowd in New York. “I miss that.”

I AM: CELINE DION reveals her battle with stiff person syndrome Dion shared her diagnosis in 2022 when she had to start canceling shows due to symptoms of the disease.

Dion thanked her sons – René-Charles Angelil, 23, and twins Nelson and Eddy, 13 – for their “daily love and support”.

She also thanked her fans, saying, “Your presence on my journey has been an immeasurable gift. Your endless love and support throughout these years has brought me to this moment.”

“I can’t believe how lucky I am to have my fans in my life. Thank you,” Dion continued. “I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my journey. This film is my love letter to each and every one of you.”

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