Review of Comedian (2002) by Danny B — 17 Nov 2007

It is a great shame that a documentary following around one of the funniest minds and performers of our time with so much potential is ruined by two factors. First, a somewhat incoherent structure, and second, Orny Adams. Now the story isn't lost on me as I understand very clearly what the back of the DVD explains, that the documentary intended to juxtapose two contrasting personalities with quirky similarities, (Jerry - Calm and optimistic, Orny - Neurotic and painfully cocky yet self-destructively diffident), the one trait that is supposed to be exemplified in both of them as far as I can tell is their vulnerability in the hands of the audience and the ever insecure life of a comedian.

All in all it had a lot much potential that wasn't reached. Its too bad Jerry didn't know any better film makers who could of thrown together a more modest documentary allowing the viewer to focus strictly on the interesting relationship between Jerry's brilliance and the the comedian lifestyle that creates a common personality, even for the most successful one of all time....thats my pitch, its only a little tweak to the overall motif but a lot better.