In this endearing documentary, Jerry Seinfeld shares the challenges and triumphs of returning to the stand-up stage after having made his fame with his eponymous television series. Starting out at gritty New York City venues like The Comedy Cellar, Gotham Comedy Club, and Caroline's, Seinfeld slowly readjusts to live performances. Backstage in between shows he chats with fellow comedians Colin Quinn and Chris Rock about writing and introducing new material, dealing with dead audiences, and getting comfortable on stage. These conversations convey a compassion and understanding about the struggles faced by all comedians, especially those who are much less established than Seinfeld. One such upstart, Orny Adams, is prominently featured in the film. A determined 29-year-old who wants fame and fortune more than anything else, Orny's journey takes him from the same small NYC venues where Seinfeld performs, to a signing with a manager, and tours to Montreal and L.A. This subplot casts Seinfeld's laid-back personality and more mature approach in a unique light. As Seinfeld graduates to bigger theaters and longer acts, working his way up to a 60-minute show, he finds inspiration in fellow comedians. The climax of the film is Seinfeld's meeting with Bill Cosby, a moment he calls one of the most important of his career. COMEDIAN, directed by Christian Charles and produced by Gary Streiner, is a gift to Seinfeld fans, while its positive tone and uplifting message will appeal to all audiences.
Theatrical release: October 11, 2002 (LIMITED)
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Jiminy Glick Interviews
Bonus Footage: Letterman Appearances
Featurette: WHERE IS ORNY NOW?
Audio Commentary:
1. Jerry Seinfeld and Colin Quinn - Stars
2. Christian Charles - Director, Gary Streiner - Producer
Interactive Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Distributor Notes: Comedian
Jerry Seinfeld is a working stand-up comic again. COMEDIAN is a candidly revealing, intimately observed, and often very funny look at what it takes to be a comedian. On-stage, Jerry delivers his hilarious brand of observational humor. Off-stage, he struggles with difficult material, confronts self-doubt, revels in small successes, and accepts help and support from friends and colleagues, including Colin Quinn, Ray Romano, Chris Rock, Garry Shandling, Jay Leno, and Bill Cosby. COMEDIAN also discovers the sharp wit of rising young comic Orny Adams -- outspoken, insecure, and fanatical about becoming the "next big thing." What emerge are two fascinating journeys by two contrasting personalities who have some surprising parallels.
Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
Featured
Bill Cosby: American Actor/Comedian
Featured
Chris Rock: American Actor/Comedian, THE CHRIS ROCK SHOW
Featured
Colin Quinn: AMERICAN SUPPORTING ACTOR
Featured
Garry Shandling: TV Actor/Comedian
Featured
Jay Leno: Tonight Show host
Featured
Orny Adams: Featured, COMEDIAN (2002)
Review 1:
"...[Featuring] Jerry Seinfeld at his most interesting....An extremely enjoyable viewing experience..."
Source: Variety
p.28-32 10/14/2002
Review 2:
"...A portrait of a man who can make a joke out of anything..."
Source: New York Times
p.E13 10/11/2002
Review 3:
"...Fresh, candid..."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.59 05/16/2003
Review 4:
"...Hilariously insightful..."
Source: Rolling Stone
p.73 05/29/2003