Embrace Your Inner Shatner Fan with 'You Can Call Me Bill'

William Shatner, best known for his iconic role in "Star Trek," has always been a popular target for parody. Now, at the age of 93, he has reached a point where he can poke fun at himself. A new documentary titled "William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill" gives fans a chance to hear Shatner talk about life, death, and his legacy in a 90-minute monologue.

The documentary, which could have been called "The World According to Bill," is unique in that it focuses solely on Shatner. There are no interviews with others or moments of reflection on people he has known.

Writer-director Alexandre O. Philippe takes a different approach by engaging the actor in deep philosophical discussions about life and death. He intersperses the conversation with clips from Shatner's one-man shows and career, showcasing everything from his lesser-known early roles to his iconic portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk.

Throughout the film, Shatner shares his thoughts on the wonders of the universe, the special connection between a rider and their horse, his personal journey of nurturing his inner child, and his commitment to living in the present moment.

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While the film "You Can Call Me Bill" offers an intimate look at William Shatner, such as his emotional experience traveling into space with Jeff Bezos in 2021, it lacks context about the actor. For example, it does not touch on criticisms from his "Trek" co-stars or his interactions with "Trekkie" culture. There is also no mention of the cathartic moment in a "Saturday Night Live" sketch where he told convention attendees to "Get a life."

Despite these shortcomings, "You Can Call Me Bill" does provide an opportunity for fans of Shatner's work, including his roles post-"Star Trek" like in "Boston Legal," to get to know him better. The film allows the actor to share some of his professional inspirations, such as Laurence Olivier and Marlon Brando, as well as personal insights from his long life.

Despite being a leader in boldly exploring the final frontier of humankind, "You Can Call Me Bill" fails to make good use of its extensive access to Shatner.

Catch the premiere of "William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill" in select theaters on March 22.

Editor's P/S:

"William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill" offers a unique glimpse into the mind and heart of the legendary actor. Through a series of introspective conversations, Shatner reflects on his extraordinary life, sharing his thoughts on mortality, the pursuit of happiness, and the transformative power of introspection. The film's intimate and personal approach allows viewers to connect with Shatner on a deeper level, revealing his vulnerability and resilience.

While the documentary provides a compelling portrait of Shatner, it could have benefited from a broader perspective. By incorporating interviews with his co-stars or fans, the film could have provided a more comprehensive understanding of Shatner's impact on the entertainment industry and popular culture. Additionally, addressing criticisms or controversies surrounding Shatner's career would have added nuance to the narrative and given viewers a more balanced view of the actor's legacy. is still a force to be reckoned with.