Yet a new documentary, “William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill,” tests one’s level of Shatner fandom, letting him indulge in a 90-some-odd-minute monologue about life, death and legacies.

William Shatner talks about his documentary 'You Can Call Me Bill' premiering at SXSW, turning 92, and blasting into space on a Blue Origins rocket.

In “You Can Call Me Bill,” Shatner sits under the hot lights, with the camera close to his face, talking, talking, and talking — about life, death, acting, fame, love, desolation, and trees.

The fawning “You Can Call Me Bill” makes you like Shatner. Still, listening to the actor’s wit, wisdom and drippy insights for 96 minutes is enough to tempt any viewer to channel his or her ...