Gleason (2016 film)
| Company type | Documentary film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film |
| Founded | January 23, 2016 |
| Founder | Steve Gleason, Sean Pamphilon |
| Products | Documentary film |
Gleason is a United States documentary film that debuted at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. It follows a five-year period in the life of former New Orleans Saints defensive back Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder.
Background
Steve Gleason became widely known for his 2006 punt block against the Atlanta Falcons during Monday Night Football, a defining moment that helped rejuvenate the New Orleans Saints franchise and led to the creation of a commemorative statue. This game symbolized the team’s return to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome after it suffered severe damage from Hurricane Katrina, which had forced the Saints to host their 2005 and early 2006 home games at alternative locations such as San Antonio. The season also featured major organizational shifts, including the appointment of head coach Sean Payton following the dismissal of Jim Haslett. The event included prominent ceremonies with performances by Green Day, Bono, and the Edge.
In 2011, Gleason received an ALS diagnosis, a degenerative condition that progressively impairs motor abilities and ultimately results in death. The documentary portrays his personal and professional experiences while coping with this illness.
Production
The documentary was created through a partnership between Gleason and filmmaker Sean Pamphilon, known for ESPN’s Run Ricky Run, focusing on Gleason’s battle with ALS. During this period, Gleason’s wife, Michel Rae Varisco, was expecting their son, Rivers, who appears significantly in the film, illustrating family life amid Gleason’s health challenges. Initially, Pamphilon used a hand-held camera but later brought on Ty Minton-Small, a recent graduate, to assist with filming. Minton-Small formed a close bond with the family and even documented Rivers’ birth.
While producing the film, the crew became entangled in the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal when Pamphilon recorded a meeting where defensive coordinator Gregg Williams urged players to injure opponents. Due to concerns over brain trauma in football, Pamphilon released this recording without Gleason’s approval in April 2012, ending their collaboration. Subsequently, assistants Ty Minton-Small and David Lee continued filming alongside the family. Gleason described their involvement as essential to the project and akin to family: "Ty and David more or less lived and traveled with us... They did caretaking for me... We were a team, working together."
The film traces Gleason’s ALS progression; as his motor skills deteriorated, he utilized Augmentive/Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to express himself. A fan of rock group Pearl Jam, Gleason included guitarist Mike McCready’s track "Hoping and Healing" in the soundtrack.
Release
The documentary premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2016. Shortly thereafter, distribution rights were acquired by Amazon Studios, with co-distribution from Open Road Films. It was released across the United States on July 29, 2016.
Critical reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie boasts a 96% approval score derived from 70 critiques, with an average rating of 8 out of 10. The critical summary praises Gleason as an exceptional sports documentary that delivers a personal depiction of its protagonist's physical deterioration and the effects on his family. Meanwhile, on Metacritic, it holds a rating of 80 out of 100 based on 29 reviews, reflecting "generally favorable" feedback.