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David Beckham Reveals He 'Hated Almost Every Moment' of Making His Emmy-Winning Documentary

23 September, 2024 - 4:35PM
David Beckham Reveals He 'Hated Almost Every Moment' of Making His Emmy-Winning Documentary
Credit: dailypost.ng

David Beckham has opened up about the process of embarking on his Emmy award-winning documentary “Beckham,” saying the idea of it made him “nervous.”

“It worried me and it made me nervous and it made Victoria nervous,” Beckham said of the four-part doc, which dropped on the streamer last year and quickly became a hit. “I hated almost every moment of making it…it was very difficult.”

The former England soccer captain has moved into production in recent years, with the launch of his company Studio 99, which produced “Beckham.” The four-part wall gave viewers unprecedented access into the footballer’s personal archives as well as interviews with him, his friends and family. One scene, in which he teased his wife Victoria Beckham over whether or not she’s really “working class” went viral.

One of the company’s next projects is an as-yet untitled documentary focusing on Victoria for Netflix.

Once he’d decided to make the documentary, “finding the right director took a while,” Beckham said of the project. Eventually he landed on “The Cove” director (and “Succession” actor) Fisher Stevens. Last year Stevens told Variety it was Leonardo DiCaprio who recommended him for the job.

“When I met Fisher I knew this is the man that will make me feel really uncomfortable and I knew I had to feel uncomfortable to make the documentary we made,” said Beckham.

Although some criticized the doc — which didn’t explicitly tackle the soccer star’s rumored affair with his former assistant Rebecca Loos — for not being objective enough, given Beckham was an executive producer on it, the former athlete claims Stevens was given free reign to cover what he wanted.

“Through the whole documentary, from Day One I said, ‘I don’t want to see anything until it comes out,’” he said of his influence over what it contained. “I didn’t go into the edit, I didn’t see any cuts, I wanted to let Fisher have that control. It took quite a bit of convincing to get him on board.”

Ultimately, however, Beckham said he and Victoria “loved the results” — which is no doubt why they’re both returning to make the documentary about Victoria.

“I’m really excited about this one because she is an amazing woman,” Beckham gushed of his wife. “She’s a strong, driven, passionate person who’s gone from being a Spice Girl to being respected in this industry, it’s very tough. She’s worked hard for 18, 19 years on her business and suddenly she’s having the success she deserves.”

“People are going to see her personality and her work ethic,” he added.

When asked whether, as an executive producer on the doc, he planned to give Victoria notes, Beckham burst out laughing. “Do you know my wife?” he asked before jokingly muttering: “Give my wife notes…”

“I’m quite excited to give her notes,” he quipped.

Beckham’s Revelation: Why Making the Documentary Was “Very Difficult”

David Beckham, known for his captivating charisma and flawless image, recently revealed a startling truth about his Emmy-winning documentary, “Beckham.” The former footballer admitted that he “hated almost every moment of making it,” citing the process as “very difficult.” His apprehension stemmed from the prospect of delving into personal and professional experiences he had never publicly addressed before. “It took me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I was going to make it,” Beckham shared, explaining that he wasn’t ready to revisit his career and its associated challenges immediately after retirement. However, as the 10-year anniversary of his retirement from football approached, he decided the time was right.

An Uncomfortable Truth: Beckham’s Rationale for His Discomfort

Beckham candidly expressed his feelings of unease, both for himself and his wife Victoria, throughout the documentary’s production. “It worried me and it made me nervous and it made Victoria nervous,” he revealed. He acknowledged that despite the perception that the public knows everything about them, the documentary offered a glimpse into their personal lives that they hadn’t shared before. “As much as people think they know everything about us they don’t really and we don’t really let those doors open to our house but I knew it was the right time and then telling the story.”

The experience of reliving challenging moments, both on and off the pitch, played a significant role in Beckham’s discomfort. He highlighted the absence of social media during his playing days, which allowed him to shield himself from the constant scrutiny of public opinion. However, the documentary required him to confront these previously suppressed experiences, leading to his statement that he “hated probably almost every moment…”

A Collaborative Effort: The Importance of the Director’s Perspective

Beckham emphasizes the importance of finding the right director to tell his story. He chose Fisher Stevens, known for his work on documentaries like “The Cove,” for his ability to elicit discomfort and push boundaries. “When I met Fisher I knew this is the man that will make me feel really uncomfortable and I knew I had to feel uncomfortable to make the documentary we made,” said Beckham. He emphasizes that he needed a director who would bring a fresh perspective to his story, challenging the conventional narrative that the public may hold.

Beckham’s Hands-Off Approach: Trusting the Director’s Vision

Despite being an executive producer, Beckham maintained a hands-off approach throughout the editing process. He made it clear that he wanted to allow Stevens complete creative control, saying, “Through the whole documentary, from Day One I said, ‘I don’t want to see anything until it comes out.’ … I didn’t go into the edit, I didn’t see any cuts, I wanted to let Fisher have that control. It took quite a bit of convincing to get him on board.”

Beckham’s Reflection: A Journey of Discomfort and Transformation

Despite his initial reservations, Beckham ultimately acknowledges the positive outcome of the documentary, expressing that he and Victoria “loved the results.” The success of the documentary, both critically and commercially, serves as a testament to the power of vulnerability and the importance of challenging oneself. It highlights the value of discomfort in uncovering deeper truths and achieving impactful storytelling.

A New Chapter: The Victoria Beckham Documentary

With the success of “Beckham” under their belt, David and Victoria are now embarking on a new project: a documentary about Victoria’s life and career. “I’m really excited about this one because she is an amazing woman,” David enthuses. He acknowledges the challenges Victoria has faced in transitioning from a Spice Girl to a respected businesswoman in the fashion industry, emphasizing her dedication and hard work. “She’s worked hard for 18, 19 years on her business and suddenly she’s having the success she deserves.” The documentary promises to offer a behind-the-scenes look at Victoria’s journey, showcasing her personality, work ethic, and the demanding world she navigates.

A Question of Control: Beckham’s Perspective on Social Media

Beckham’s revelations about his documentary and his upcoming project with Victoria highlight a broader theme: the intersection of personal narrative and public image in the digital age. He acknowledges that he enjoys being a popular social media influencer because it grants him a degree of control over how he presents himself to the world. “I’m over every single thing on my social media channels to have that authentic content,” he explains. This approach represents a shift from the traditional media landscape, where celebrities often relied on publicists and intermediaries to manage their public image. In contrast, Beckham’s direct engagement with his audience through social media gives him the power to shape his own narrative.

Tags:
David Beckham Netflix Victoria Beckham Television documentary Spice Girls Fisher Stevens David Beckham documentary Netflix Emmy Awards Studio 99
Rafael Fernández
Rafael Fernández

Film Critic

Reviewing and critiquing the latest movies and cinema.

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