Comedian
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Movie Reviews of Comedian
Movie Review: What's Not to Like?
Summary: 5 Stars
What's not to like? Some of the reviews indicated that there was disapointment with the amount of actual stand up comedy. Others were not satisified that the documentary did not go more in depth into the lives of Jerry Seinfeld and Orny Adams. It is a documentary about comedians. It's not Shakespeare, after all. If it showed a whole stand up routine, people wouldn't want to watch the rest of it which is really the best stuff. The film shows scenes from the routine but focuses on the feelins and anxieties of the stand ups--something I haven't seen on film before.
For those that are interested, the DVD does get pretty in depth with the commentary and deleted scenes. The commentary by Jerry and Colin Quinn as well as from director Christian Charles and producer Gary Streiner explore and further explain the background, the comedic life, and the feelings of the comeidians.
The contrast between Jerry and Orny is covered in the commentary. Jerry, having already "made it" with his own TV show wants to become a success at stand up once again. Orny wants to move on from stand up to his own TV show. Orny is a compelling person. As he states, he's been doing comedy for years and struggles while he sees his friends moving up in life--making money, getting married, having kids, etc.
It's simple, yet profound.
One more thing: the music is incredible. It's got Mingus, Coltrain, Joabim, the list goes on.
Enjoy.
Movie Review: An excellent look into the unseen Seinfeld
Summary: 5 Stars
This is not a concert film of now-legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Instead, it is a very intimate look into the trials and tribulations of a million-dollar talent (Seinfeld) essentially starting over from scratch. Hitting the smaller comedy clubs (mostly in NYC), Seinfeld showcases his all-new material to audiences. You see him get a standing ovation, you see him bomb. You see him sweating before a gig, you see him revelling after a gig. In short, you are right there with Jerry Seinfeld as he does it all again.Intertwined with this portrayal of Seinfeld is another of an unknown comedian trying to hit it big...Orley Adams. This is the lesser part of the film, in my opinion. While Seinfeld is still somewhat humble and human, even with his countless millions, Adams is brash, egotistical and often irritating. He seems more focused on his success and while that is not necessarily a bad thing, he does let it overshadow the joy and fun of performing that you'd expect someone is his position to have. If anyone was going to be egotistical and brash, you'd think it'd be Jerry Seinfeld. Don't get me wrong...Adams material is often very funny. But his personal side detracts from the enjoyment of it.
All in all, this is a great film and a phenomenal look into the life of a working comedian. It'll also bring you a new respect for Jerry Seinfeld.
Movie Review: Misunderstood by a great many people
Summary: 5 Stars
i dont normally post reviews on this website, but seeing all these misinformed opinions was driving me nutsthe movie, as others have mentioned, follows Seinfeld and an unknown Adams around as they try to perfect their act both in NYC and around the country. the beauty of this movie is in the emotional nakedness that both comedians show us, exactly when they dont want to. orny adams is on the surface an overconfident and overbearing jerk, but what i saw and felt beneath that (and what i believe is meant to be felt) is his tremendous vulnerability, his lack of self-confidence, and ironically the incredible depression that he has trying to make a name for himself. as for jerry, we see that even with all his fame and fortune, he still is as nervous and unprepared as ever and is still emotionally dependent on the audience for so much.
through both of these men, the viewer gets an oftentimes haunting look into the offbeat lifestyle of the standup comic. interestingly, we see that these mens personality flaws drive them to have the success they have, and that in reality being funny is frequently not that fun at all. what comes through is the pain and the sweat and the rejection needed for the craft, and it is the truth of all of that which makes this movie truly incredible
Movie Review: Excellent movie about the creative process
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're looking for a funny movie, this isn't it. This is a film about all the hard work that goes into succeeding in the entertainment industry. It's about the unglamorous part of making people laugh - i.e. hours of stuggle, anguish, failure, self-doubt, just to get that one laugh.I am a writer/director, and although I don't work in the exact same capacity as Seinfeld, this movie really impressed me and gave me a whole new perspective on who Jerry Seinfeld is. I see that he really understands and respects the creative process. Unlike the rest of the cast of the Seinfeld tv show, Jerry "went back to his roots" to remake himself, and basically start his career over again instead of trying to ride the wave of his hit tv show. Ultimately, what you get in this documentary is a glimpse into the world of the "sad clown". Being a comedian, or any sort of entertainer for that matter, is hard work. It's a risky and often lonely process, which is what this film is all about.
So if you want Jerry Seinfeld to make you laugh, go watch Seinfeld re-runs. This is not the movie for you.
Movie Review: Inside
Summary: 5 Stars
It took me a couple of years to tap into the Seinfeld TV show. Frankly, his standup 'frame' struck me as uninspired. Not until I realized how it was worked into the subtle quirkiness of the sitcom did I see the genius. 'Comedian' held me at 'standup's' arm's-length, too, when my wife suggested watching it. I just breathed deeply and plunged in. Wonderful stuff. I've seen standup routines live, and of course I've had half-a-century's worth of TV and a generation's video of it. As a teacher, I engage in elements of it: timing, audience massage, surprise, attention-focus. This CD views the comic's profession from varying stages of success. Not a showcase for Jerry Seinfeld, though he's the documentary's center.
'Comedian' sure tells the story of all the performance and career anxiety! There's something about human ambition and insecurity that can be skimmed like cream off the top of this one. Great as humor, psychology, showbiz gossip, or glimpses of human loneliness amidst what should be glamor.