DYSFUNKTIONAL FAMILY takes place at the crossroads of Eddie Griffin's stand-up comedy routine and his actual life. As the title of the film suggests, Griffin frequently exploits his family experiences for stage material, much to the alternating delight or chagrin of his mother, uncles, and friends. On stage, Griffin recalls meeting his father for the first time, his school days in Kansas City, and numerous beatings he received from his mother. Spliced between these dramatic moments are shots of Griffin walking around his old elementary school and the house in which he grew up. These biographical landscapes make Griffin's performance feel poignant, providing the viewer with the actual settings and characters from which he draws his material. When the film cuts between Griffin onstage and his mother at home relaying the same story--the two versions are often so completely in synch, it suggests Griffin's "act" is no act at all, just a presentation of his life itself. Most of Griffin's performance provides commentary on sex or race relations in the United States, and his exhibitionistic mode of comedy (if he's not climbing the curtains, he's falling down) and profane candor seem to either attract or alienate audience members both in the film and those watching it.

Theatrical release: April 4, 2003

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Additional Release Material:
Deleted Scenes
Featurette - 1. A DYSFUNKTIONAL PREMIERE
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus

Distributor Notes: DysFunktional Family

The always outrageous Eddie Griffin (UNDERCOVER BROTHER, DOUBLE TAKE) brings the funk to his thoroughly hilarious family reunion in this revealing and wildly entertaining comedy gem! The cameras are rolling and the laughs don't stop as we follow Griffin on his journey home to the Kansas City neighborhood he grew up in! There we meet his anything-but-average family -- including two totally off-the-wall uncles -- and get to join in one very lively and interesting family gathering! If you've ever wondered how your favorite comedians got so funny, don't miss this fascinating look at Eddie Griffin and the one-of-a-kind characters who shaped his life and inspired his comedy!

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

Eddie Griffin: American Actor/"Meteor Man"

George Gallo: Screenwriter/Director

David Permut: 
Paul Brooks: Producer, WHITE NOISE (2004)
Eddie Griffin: American Actor/"Meteor Man"

Eddie Griffin: American Actor/"Meteor Man"

Andrew Gross: 

"...Mr. Griffin has the energy of a man who functions on sheer effrontery. He's also packing a pocketful of tricks....Mr. Griffin's journeyman efforts prove rock solid..."
"Eddie Griffin has some hilarious moments in DYSFUNKTIONAL FAMILY, stand-up comedy interspersed with documentary footage of his eccentric family..."
"...Griffin is quick, smart and funny..."
"...Griffin is a protean talent with razor-sharp wit..."