Appearances can be deceiving, and the exploration of a person’s life can yield surprising results. On its face, the documentary Billy Flanigan: The Happiest Man on Earth appears to be a fun discussion about the life of a Disney performer. As those within the theme park community know, these kinds of films have been extremely mixed bags in terms of their importance and insight. After all, working for “the mouse” sometimes causes us to shy away from the truths about a career in the industry. However, Flanigan and director Cullen Douglas carve out an interesting story about more than a single man. While Flanigan undeniably controls the spotlight, the lives of those who love the man, the performer, and their co-worker come into focus to reveal an interesting portrait of the Disney community.
Billy Flanigan primarily focuses on the life of its titular subject as he works to break through in show business. At first, he finds success in improv and parodies but eventually captures the attention of Disney entertainment scouts. He slowly builds a long-lasting career, earning spots in many major shows and experiences. As he achieves his goals, he begins to realize what he needs personally differs from what he needs professionally. As he navigates the next chapter of his life, COVID-19 shuts the world down, leaving Billy without the audience that has helped him achieve self-worth.
Douglas frames the story in a series of vignettes, allowing a consistent formula to emerge. First, we will see Billy’s career move forward on some path, and then take a break for his “Flanigrams” as he rides his bike to cheer up his friends. What begins as a small gesture to help people’s spirits during COVID becomes something of an event for his friends. The documentary flips between these two timelines, allowing for Billy’s story to hold vital pieces of information until later in the film. This helps to spread out the emotional beats as well.
Ultimately, this back-and-forth approach works, buts it’s far from perfect. The somewhat rhythmic experience grows tedious at times, and takes away surprise out of the narrative unfolding. Additionally, it spoils some of the aspects of the story, including his continued employment by the Walt Disney company despite some tense moments.
The documentary takes two swings that are undeniably effective moments of storytelling. The first comes in regards to Flanigan’s home life with his family. For the sake of surprise, it will not be spoiled here. However, the family’s ability to bond and grow from emotionally charged actions warms the heart and reminds the audience why we take care of one another.
The second swing comes towards the end of the film, as COVID ravages the employment status of cast members. This part of the story comes as no surprise, and the filmmakers’ willingness to divert attention away from Billy becomes a powerful tool. It also speaks to the selfless acts Flanigan perpetuates during quarantine. Its a moment of healing and emotional outpouring for people who have put their soul into a unique side of the entertainment landscape. For those in Central Florida, its impossible to ignore the power of their words.
Billy Flanigan: Happiest Man on Earth will not reinvent the genre. Yet its important lesson for filmmakers: the story and the tone of a film can showcase the heart and lesson of a film. In the case of Billy Flanigan, its clear that Douglas took lessons from his subject. After all, putting a little light in the world and celebrating stories that differ from ours is the
Alan’s Rating: 6/10
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