Marty, Life Is Short

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2:11

Marty, Life Is Short

2026

1h 41m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

36 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Marty, Life is Short, from director Lawrence Kasdan, is the definitive documentary on beloved comedian Martin Short. Using beautiful, intimate, never-before-seen archive footage alongside exclusive interviews with some of the most established and beloved stars, the documentary takes a look at one of the most influential comedians of a generation.

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Critics Consensus

Equal parts sweet and poignant, Life is Short does justice to Martin Short's life and career by acknowledging how pain and tragedy make joy all the more precious.

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David Bianculli

NPR

Jun 18, 2026

There is indeed a lot of tragedy in this film, but there's also a constant river of joy.

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Craig Mathieson

The Age (Australia)

May 26, 2026

3.5/5

...this affectionate biographical documentary confirms what we’d always suspected about Canadian comic Martin Short: he’s hugely funny, whether on or off the screen, a wonderful pal and deeply committed, no matter the difficulties, to those he loves.

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G. Allen Johnson

San Francisco Chronicle

May 14, 2026

1/4

Basically, Kasdan has created a celebration of his pal, whose life apparently consisted of little else besides acting in comedy projects onstage and onscreen and throwing parties with his rich and famous friends.

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Robert W. Butler

Butler's Cinema Scene

Jul 21, 2026

B

Lawrence Kasdan’s “Marty, Life is Short” is a cinematic tribute from one of Short’s good friends. Actually a lot of Short’s good friends.

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James Croot

The Post NZ

Jun 28, 2026

There’s something about Short’s tale of tragedies and triumphs, multiple failures and magnificent turns, as well his enthusiastic involvement in the project, that just draws you in and keeps you enthralled throughout the 99-minute running time.

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Jayne Nelson

Radio Times

Jun 10, 2026

4/5

Unsurprisingly, this is a shameless hagiography devoid of scandal and controversy, in which nobody has a bad word to say about its beaming subject. But it all feels perfectly earned, and makes for a joyful watch besides.

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Henry D

@Henry_Domke Sep 9, 2026

This is essentially a love letter to Martin Short. The problem for us is that we’re fairly indifferent to him, so the endless adulation from famous friends didn’t mean much. After 20 minutes, we’d had enough and quit.

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Michelle B

@MovieFan115 Aug 1, 2026

Wonderful! Reminds you to really live and love life! Also amazing footage that connects you even more to this adored actor!

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Michael W

@mawilps Jun 27, 2026

This showbiz documentary about the actor Martin Short was really good. The entire crew did a fantastic job on telling the story about one of the funniest actors of all time. It was very interesting and dramatic to see his life story. If you haven't seen this documentary yet, check it out sometime. It's a definite must see.

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Garry A

@heavyg Jun 23, 2026

You can't help but smile and laugh watching old footage of Martin doing comedy.

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iam M

@Esquie Jun 21, 2026

This movie will make you smile, reflect, and walk away with a deepened appreciation for Martin Short and the story of his life so far. When it comes to documentaries about comedians, this one is a must watch!!

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Alejandro E

@Alex970 Jun 20, 2026

Comedian Martin Short, in his own words and those of his closest friends. Although the documentary’s pace feels a little slow, it is well justified by his life story, which includes moments both good and bad.

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Lawrence Kasdan

Director

Martin Short

Self

Steve Martin

Self

John Mulaney

Self

Sara Bernstein

Producer

Meredith Kaulfers

Producer

Marty, Life Is Short: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Marty, Life is Short, from director Lawrence Kasdan, is the definitive documentary on beloved comedian Martin Short. Using beautiful, intimate, never-before-seen archive footage alongside exclusive interviews with some of the most established and beloved stars, the documentary takes a look at one of the most influential comedians of a generation.

Director: Lawrence Kasdan
Producer: Sara Bernstein, Meredith Kaulfers, Christopher St. John, Lawrence Kasdan, Blair Foster
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Imagine Documentaries
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 12, 2026
Runtime: 1h 41m

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