It’s been said to dissect comedy is like trying to wrestle it to the floor and break its arm—the point being, of course, that explaining what makes a thing funny will almost certainly render it unfunny. Fortunately, that doesn’t happen with Jordan Brady’s documentary I Am Comic, a film that tries less to explain what funny is than to present the reason that some people are compelled to be comics. More or less built around a comeback attempt by retired comic Ritch Shydner, giving the film a structure, this is an interesting, entertaining and sometimes enlightening look at the world of stand-up comedy.
Perhaps the most notable thing about I Am Comic is the amazing array of stand-up comedians the film manages to assemble. Among others, it boasts Tim Allen (who freely admits to having become “everything I hate” by virtue of success), Tom Arnold, Lewis Black, Margaret Cho, Louis C.K., Jeff Foxworthy, Janeane Garofalo, Bobcat Goldthwait, Kathy Griffin, Carlos Mencia, Paul Rodriguez, Roseanne Barr, Sarah Silverman and Carrot Top. They even drag in 93-year-old Phyllis Diller—something you don’t see every day. There’s a certain irony in this playing this week, since conspicuous by her absence is Joan Rivers, with the documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work opening on Friday. Her non-appearance here actually sheds light on the attitude she expresses in that documentary. (When people think to include Paul Rodriguez and Carrot Top, but overlook you, something is amiss.)
Joan Rivers was certainly not overlooked, she turned us down. I urge fans of stand-up and indie film to see both movies.
thanks,
Jordan Brady
Director, “I AM COMIC”
I stand — or rather sit — corrected. Did she say why she turned you down?
Was she a producer of her documentary?
Was she a producer of her documentary?
She’s not listed as one, which is kind of surprising that she didn’t jockey to get that credit.
We went through typical channels with Ms. Rivers, which means she may not have ever been offered the interview. I congratulated her on the plane to Park City (she going to Sundance, me to Slamdance.) When I told her of “I AM COMIC” she politely said “oh fabulous, good luck.” As if I were from Uranus. (Funniest planet.) Also missing from my film are Chris Rock (shooting a movie) and my old pal Dave Chappelle. Mr. Chappelle simply is in hiding.
Great write-up. Much success!
Mr. Chappelle simply is in hiding.
From Wayne Brady?