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08 June 2006
The Aristocrats
A documentary that follows different comedians telling the same basic joke in new and innovativce ways.
First of all the negatives :
- we only see comedians performing the joke live in front of an audience once or twice. Which means we don't get an impresion of how it works in reality. We hear a lot of stories about it etc etc but rarely get to see it used. And whilst it can be funny hearing someone repeat the joke to a camera in an office, the performer inevitably is relaxed and not at their adrenalin fuelled joke telling best.
- many of the comedians are boring, and rather unfunny. Too many bring filthy, disgusting and original twists to the joke, but they don't necessarily work. There are a few that turn the joke on it's head, or play with it a little, and these are the funniest moments. But they are rare.
- comedians seriously deconstructing a joke, and the thoughts behind it, at times can be very tiresome.
Positives:
- in parts it is very funny. Some of the participants do not take it seriously and mockingly talk through their piece. This is when genuine laughs arise. Or when banter starts between interviewer and comic (see Jon Stewart in make-up chair) again the natural comedic talents of all shine through.
- Kevin Pollak's telling of the joke as Christopher Walken is worth the price alone.
- As a stand-up comic, you could find it very useful to analyse the structure, writing and composition that goes into joke telling.
Overall, I'm glad I bought it used, as I'd be a bit miffed if I'd paid full price
06 September 2006
Absolute classic
2 of 2 found this helpful Simply the best vietnam movie ever made. Forget the acid trip weirdness of Apocolypse Now, and experience the harsh, cruel reality of life in the 'Nam.
...and what a soundtrack.