From Deseret News archives:
Comedian
Film review
As clich�d and predictable as that is, however, the film does give it a slightly different perspective by showing comedian and former television star Jerry Seinfeld actually getting flustered after forgetting part of his routine.
"Comedian" would benefit from a bit more context (such as focusing on a few amateur comics rather than just professionals). And there's not nearly enough footage of the actual routines.
But it is fascinating to see how much work and preparation goes into stand-up comedy and to see how hard even the most seasoned pros take failure, even failure that is just momentary. Director Christian Charles focuses primarily on how two pros Seinfeld and up-and-comer Orny Adams deal with such adversity.
After two years, the veteran Seinfeld is essentially starting from scratch, with a set of all-new material he's road-testing on a brief tour of smaller New York-area comedy clubs.
Refreshingly, the film doesn't always paint the most flattering portraits of its subjects. In particular, Adams comes off as being petulant and unlikable.
However, while it's a bit disconcerting to see Seinfeld using four-letter words, he's the one who emerges as endearing here (witness the tender scene of the former TV star singing to his infant child backstage).
On the downside, there are times when the film's sound mix is bad particularly during a few scenes in which Charles allows the jazzy score to drown out the conversation between Seinfeld and fellow comedians Colin Quinn, Chris Rock and George Wallace.
"Comedian" is rated R for occasional use of strong sex-related profanity and some off-color humor (dealing with bodily and sexual functions). Running time: 81 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Documentary about stand-up comedy featuring interviews with and routines by Jerry Seinfeld and others.
Find a Movie Theater
- Utah Jazz Gameday glance 8:17 p.m.
- Seniors helped BYU regroup 8:00 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications 7:51 p.m.
- NHL: The Captain heads to the Hall 7:48 p.m.
- Jazz: Korver, Miles to be evaluated 7:43 p.m.
- Hiker rescued from narrow ledge 7:38 p.m.
- RSL unfazed by conference final 7:27 p.m.
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf' 7:25 p.m.
- 'Motherhood' is totally obnoxious 7:16 p.m.
- Gordon, Wallace lead Pistons 6:51 p.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
215 - House passes health care bill
195 - Dirk does dirty work in Dallas
190 - Lobo suspended
173 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
149 - Speed has never been BYU's game
136 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
124 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Thousands protest health bill
102 - Provo company innovating engines
99
Utah 3 TCU 45 enough said
Let the utes start crying about something........
Passing of this bill by the house will mark eventully forcing all people...
I think it interesting that if someone expresses their view point and it...
The best 2-days ever! Thank you for highlighting it!
Do you really think TCU could have beaten Tennessee, LSU, Mississippi,...
way to go Dixie and Snow Canyon! You have worked hard all season. The entire...
My grandfather Roy Duane Charter is Ernest "Kid" Charters grandson. All my...
But look for him to continue to be just one cog in a big offensive BYU...
played delta in delta look before you speak, the point spread means nothing...




You can be the first to comment on this story.