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It was an interesting weekend in Columbus. A violent hailstorm came
and went. In its wake at our home, we were left with our first
insurance claim for home damage and no power for 36 hours. It was
Sunday night when the power went out. Monday evening, we’d had
enough of board games and reading by candlelight. Roommate, husband
and I were desperate for anything brought about by the magic of
electricity. A movie following Jerry Seinfeld through the dark and
smoky comedy clubs of New York seemed to be logical choice.
You might have remembered that little TV show “Seinfeld.” You might
also remember a certain HBO special that was meant to showcase
Jerry’s routine for the last time. Most of the country figured that
this would mean Jerry would retire to spend his days rolling around
in cash going “how ironic is it that I do nothing all day because I
got rich off of a show about nothing?” The reality was that he was
retiring every last one of his old jokes.
Even with his millions, Seinfeld chose to start his routine from
scratch. This is about the development of new jokes and the
subsequent testing of the new material over a year in the comedy
clubs of New York. It is also about the obsessive need of the gifted
comedian to work and improve his craft. Defying any need to protect
self-esteem, Seinfeld allowed a film crew a year to watch what it
takes to put together a new hour-long routine.
It is a painful process. While the scenes look reminiscent of a
reunion of old friends. We learn that Seinfeld trades war stories
with Colin Quinn, Chris Rock, Gary Shandling, Jay Leno and Robert
Klein on a regular basis. Each of them are successful, but each
continue to work on new routines and discuss the pain of knowing
that new jokes aren’t going to make it to your permanent routine.
We also meet Orny Adams. George Shapiro, who happens to be
Seinfeld’s manager, newly represents Adams. I would assume that Orny
was followed to show the equal pain of being an up-and-coming
comedian with an established routine try to make it big. It is
unfortunate that the majority of Orny’s humorous moments are
inadvertent as we watch Orny describe in pontificated detail exactly
how the universe revolves around him on a daily basis.
Orny is offered advice from some of the best comedic minds in the
country – including Seinfeld. Our Orny, though, spends most of the
listening portion of the advice exchange waiting for his moment to
show of his witty side to these seasoned veterans. On those rare
occasions when Orny actually listens, he acts as if he has been
insulted. When Orny wonders to the camera what meetings in LA are
being held about him (and what they might be saying), it becomes
obvious that reality is not Orny’s strong suit.
We watch the veterans – those that have had television, film and
writing deals – struggle to get their routines right. We watch Orny
look to those deals and lament how his advanced age of 29 means that
he might have already missed out on these deals.
The Usual:
What It’s Worth: It’s a good matinee if you’re interested in the
creative process. Otherwise, wait for the HBO multi-view.
Main Reason To See This Film: Watch a professional, seasoned
comedian in absolute awe of Bill Cosby try to be cool in front of
Bill Cosby. See him freak out once he gets to his own car.
Main Reason Not To See This Film: Being forced to watch Orny Adams
become increasingly impressed with the sound of his own voice. Bonus
– watch Orny craft a fake neurotic personality in an attempt to
camouflage his annoying personality.
MPAA Rating: R
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