About Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (HBO)

'Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds', released in 2017, is an intimate portrait that focuses on the relationship between Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie Reynolds. The documentary, which aired on HBO, shines a bright light on the Hollywood royalty and its family in a way that was both comedic and tragically humanizing. With a mix of vintage family films, iconic old-world Hollywood history, and the confessional intimate footage shot more recently, the documentary gives a very personal and loving glimpse into the world of these famous characters.

Making / Production

The documentary was directed by Alexis Bloom and Fisher Stevens. It was premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and was subsequently aired on HBO after the unexpected death of both Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. The movie showcases the eccentric, but loving, relationship between mother and daughter.

Actors

• Carrie Fisher: Played herself in this revealing documentary. Fisher's candidness about her relationship with her mother, mental health, and childhood in Hollywood sets the intimate tone for this movie.
• Debbie Reynolds: Also playing herself, Reynolds gives viewers a look at the aging Hollywood star still in love with her craft.
• Billie Lourd: The granddaughter of Reynolds and daughter of Fisher also appears, adding another layer to this multi-generational Hollywood story.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was Fisher and Reynolds' last film before their deaths.
• The film premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and was then aired on HBO on January 7, 2017.
• Despite their occasionally tumultuous relationship, Fisher and Reynolds lived next door to each other for many years.

Quotes

• Carrie Fisher: "I'm my mom's best friend."
• Debbie Reynolds: "I gave it all that I had, and it's gratifying that others seemed to receive it so well."

Music/Soundtrack

• "You Made Me Love You" - performed by Debbie Reynolds
• "I'll Never Say No" - performed by Debbie Reynolds
• "Tammy" - performed by Debbie Reynolds