Last Wednesday was the premiere of Selena Gomez’s new documentary entitled Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me. While she was excited about the release of the film, she couldn’t bring herself to watch it after appearing on the red carpet. Gomez explained that she needed to step away from viewing the project which made its debut at the TCL Chinese Theatre for the American Film Institute Film Festival.
The documentary will be available Friday to stream on AppleTV+. It focuses on six years of Gomez’s career, examining her challenges with health and fame.
Gomez chose Alek Keshishian to direct the documentary after she saw his work on Madonna’s 1991 documentary-Truth or Dare.
“We soon realized that there was much more going on than just the tour that I eventually ended up canceling,” said Gomez. “(Keshishian) came into my life in these moments that were beautiful, complicated and tragic. And I felt comfortable sharing what I was walking through.”
Keshishian described Gomez as “so authentic and vulnerable.” “Unlike most pop stars and most celebrities I know. She doesn’t have armor.”
The film depicts Gomez growing up in Grand Prairie, Texas. It shows her revisiting her hometown after she became famous.
“I’m a Texas girl through and through and I truly feel like the most beautiful woman when I’m home,” Gomez explained. “When I go home, I visit the house I’m from every time and the neighbors. I don’t think they see me any differently than who I was when I was younger.”
Gomez hopes the documentary will encourage audiences to have important discussions.
“I’m not gonna lie and say maybe there were a few moments that weren’t scary to offer,” she added. “So I kind of used myself as a sacrifice in order for people to have the hard conversations. But I’m also going to crawl into a hole for a few months after this. I gave too much.”
In a recent interview, Gomez was asked if she had any advice for any of the fans who want to achieve some of things she has in life.
“I’d say, ‘Oh, God, don’t try that!” she said.” I’m not saying I have the answers at all or even a powerful speech. I would say that people have given me a responsibility that I carry so deeply. All I would ever want anyone to know is that they’re exactly enough the way they are. That they are worthy. They are seen. They deserve love.”
Lyrics
Selena Gomez has released a song for the documentary film, also named “My Mind & Me.”
Wanna hear a part to my story? I tried to hide in the glory
And sweep it under the table so you would never know
Sometimes I feel like an accident, people look when they’re passin’ it
Never check on the passenger, they just want the free show
This verse suggests that the singer thought she could hide part of her story by focusing on her fame. She incorporates this idea for years until she reached a point where she wanted to express all of the components of her life story. She also describes a difficult part of human nature; sometimes when a person is going through challenging circumstances other people may not know how to or refuse to assist in the situation. They see that something is going on but they just stare at it like a road accident. Some people do not check on “the passenger,” instead they just want to see a show and observe when someone can lose it all.
It’s hard to talk and feel heard when you always feel like a burden
Don’t wanna add to concern I know they already got
But if I pull back the curtain, then maybe someone who’s hurtin’
Will be a little more certain they’re not the only one lost
Sometimes in life others do not want to hear the real story. Have you ever tried to tell someone what you’re going through and they have a hard time listening? When this occurs, people who are experiencing obstacles don’t typically need for associates to be doctors, but rather a good listener and perhaps someone who can show a little bit of sincerity and empathy. The person who is disclosing the information does not want to burden others. It takes a lot of bravery to share these discussions with associates, friends and family. The lyrics also indicate that she is aware that others may turn what she’s going through into a show. However, if she could “pull back the curtain” she may reveal aspects of her life that can encourage people who are in a similar situation.
Vocals
Selena Gomez is a very talented singer and her vocals in the song are delivered in a very personal way. When you listen to the track, it feels as though Gomez is singing directly to you. The simplicity of the musical production puts emphasis on the vocals she performs. Her voice is very much connected to the piano with its various notes and scales.
Instrumentation
The musical foundation of the song is piano and guitar. Each instrument has a live quality to it and both are implemented in ways that feel very personal. The music and the vocals depict a vulnerability that makes this song relatable and enjoyable to listen to.
Performance
“My Mind & Me” appears during the documentary and it matches the feel of the cinematography perfectly.