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'I Am Chris Farley': Trailer offers a glimpse at 'SNL' documentary

The upcoming documentary centers on the life of comedian Farley, who died in 1997 at the age of 33. 'There is a category of people that I work with that are infuriatingly talented,' 'SNL' creator Lorne Michaels says during the film.

A new trailer has been released for the upcoming documentary “I Am Chris Farley.” 

Comedian Chris Farley rapidly rose to fame in the 1990s on “Saturday Night Live” and in various movie comedies such as “Tommy Boy” and “Beverly Hills Ninja.” He died in 1997 at the age of 33 from a drug overdose, according to authorities.

The film includes interviews with such “Saturday Night Live” co-stars Adam Sandler, David Spade, and Molly Shannon as well as “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels and other comedy contemporaries. Farley appeared on “SNL” from 1990 to 1995.

“There is a category of people that I work with that are infuriatingly talented,” Mr. Michaels says during the trailer. “As long as they’re in this world, I think you always recognize whatever it is when you see it. You’re always drawn to that.” 

The film is directed by Derik Murray of “I Am Evel Knievel” and “A Brony Tale” director Brent Hodge. Farley's other films include “Black Sheep” and “Almost Heroes,” and he also appeared in small roles in films starring “SNL” alums like “Wayne’s World” and “Billy Madison.” 

Anticipation for the documentary is likely to be high as Farley himself is regularly ranked as one of the best “SNL” cast members in the show’s 40-year history – Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, the website Complex, and the Detroit News all put him in the top 15.

“SNL” is in the news this summer following the celebration of the show’s fortieth anniversary – another documentary, titled “Live From New York,” was released in theaters earlier this month and chronicled the history of the show. However, “Live” got negative reviews from critics, with New York Times reviewer Stephen Holden calling the documentary “unfocused [and] skimpy … rushed.”

According to Entertainment Weekly, the film “Farley” will come to theaters on July 31 and then be available on demand beginning on August 11.

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