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The Aristocrats
by j_john
Last week I received another invitation to a press screening at Cinema 21--this time for the new comedy documentary The Aristocrats. I knew next to nothing about the film, except for some connection to Penn and Teller (which filled me with mixed emotions--I sorta like P & T, but find them too contrived, and in a documentary?).
As soon as the film begins you realize that it will solely consist of comedians talking about and performing one sick joke, whose punchline is "The Aristocrats." However, this is one joke where the punchline isn't what's funny--it's all about how you get there that matters. With an interview cast of over 100 comedians, there are certainly bits that are funnier than others, but I was surprised at who I found myself laughing at sometimes. I mean, George Carlin?! Who (under 40) still laughs at that guy? He was probably my favorite, although I enjoyed "Billy The Mime" quite a bit as well.
Initially I thought it would have been good to include a wider spectrum of comedians (thinking more recent people like Seinfeld, David Cross, etc. were missed), but it makes sense to mostly stick to old-school folks. They have been the ones performing regardless of the spotlight always shining on them, and they deserve their time in front of the camera just as much as anyone.
Oh, and the Penn and Teller connection ended up not really effecting anything. Penn Juliette made the film with Paul Provenza, and it really was about the variety of the comedic interviews.
--The staff of "The Onion" are also included, and wow, do they come across as incredibly unfunny. Does anyone still read them?
Comments
Thanks for the words about this movie! David & I were just debating whether or not to see it. You made it seem less intimidatingly offensive (unlike an essay I read by Penn J, which made it seem like I would definitely prove myself a bad person by walking out).
Posted by: Emily at July 6, 2005 5:30 PM
CNN reports:
AMC Theatres, which will become the country's second-largest theater chain after its pending merger with Loews Cineplex, has decided not to exhibit "The Aristocrats,"
http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movies/07/13/film.aristocrats.reut/index.html
Posted by: Mikey at July 13, 2005 11:43 AM
I read the onion religiously. It is incredibly funny and also some of the most spot-on and biting political commentary out there. Don't you dare knock the onion! Also: this review you wrote totally made me want to see the movie, so KUDOS!
Posted by: ritchey at September 13, 2005 9:14 PM
>> The staff of "The Onion" are also included ... Does anyone still read them? <<
No.
Posted by: robert atkinson at January 28, 2006 4:40 PM
There was an interview with the staff of the Onion I read a while back that made me really respect them. They aren't just pot-smoking slackers, they seem to really take their comedy seriously. I personally find the Onion to be a little bit of the "same ol' thing" and yet I also laugh almost every time I visit. It's funny, but not compelling.
I like Penn & Teller a lot. :)
Posted by: Mikey at July 6, 2005 5:02 PM