Michael Parkinson, or Parky as he was affectionately known, was a child of his time and place which influenced how he became a man, an icon. ‘Parky’, the documentary, gives us an insight into the man who was known for his journalistic interviewing style to encourage movie stars, politicians, musicians, writers and others to open up. What is interesting is how closed and private he was and that is where this documentary reveals the man behind the persona.
Many of us grew up with Parkinson being the equivalent of Graham Norton these days. In post 1960s, a wave of different English accents, education and background emerged due to a new political climate. It is important to understand that a few years before this he wouldn’t have even been considered. With a broad Yorkshire accent, no real depth of education but having got a chance in journalism and through sheer talent for writing and investigating, he took the opportunity to launch a new style of television program. The audience lapped it up.
This documentary, narrated by his sons, wife and friends reveals a self-effacing man whose love of cricket and unfortunately at times, alcohol, reveals a man of depth who is searching for understanding of himself and others. A key point highlighted by Parkinson himself is his amazing wife, a renowned interviewer herself, who sacrificed her career recognising that there was room for only one television star. She is as fascinating as she reveals her part in his life.
Watching the man, it is clear that he also has a face that the camera loves and a charisma that can’t be bought or learnt. He would research interviewees not to catch them out but to find a deeper meaning to them and their lives. We also see a man who loses his identity himself when his popularity diminishes and he and moves into heavy drinking. He acknowledges this and with the help of his family overcame it. It is revealing that Russell Harty, another renowned UK personality said that Parkinson often asked questions of his guests that were really about himself.
It is a fascinating documentary not only of the man but also of the eras that he covered with questions he himself said he wouldn’t ask in another time. It charts the change in stardom from the fading Hollywood movie star stable of the likes of Fred Astaire, Bette Davis and others to the new movie stars coming into vogue such as Helen Mirren, Tom Hanks, George Clooney and the emerging celebrities such as the Beckhams and Robbie Williams. He was clearly an interviewer who said he only wanted interesting people to meet and towards the end of his long running show appeared bored. It was time to go and he moved back to writing and radio.
The fact that he is known, like other icons of any era, by one name says it all. Think of Ali, Madonna, Cher, Sting, Oprah and Pele, guests he interviewed. He wouldn’t have dreamed to be considered in their realm. Michael Parkinson also represented decades of change from the 1960s through to 2022 and passed away in 2023. His group of friends reflect this man and include the comedian Billy Connolly, Dickie Bird from the cricket world and Laurie Holloway, a renowned UK TV music and jazz composer. A child of Yorkshire pit miners with only 2 ‘O’ levels became a global personality with a legacy of style and journalism. He was unique and to quote him, ‘It's not so much about what you ask as what you don't ask’.
To book tickets to Parky, please visit https://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/bff26-parky.